In fleshy fruit with the development of seed, the tissue of ovary wall is stimulated to produce pericarp the outer layer of the fruit. This covers the seed and protects it. In fleshy fruits, the pericarp is typically made up of three distinct layers: the epicarp (also known as exocarp), which is the outermost layer; the mesocarp, which is the middle layer; and the endocarp, which is the inner layer surrounding the ovary or the seeds.