A particular feature of the oil palm with considerable economic consequences is the occurrence of three natural fruit types under monogenic control, which form also the basis for the classification of oil palm.
Dura: homozygous (Sh Sh) for a relatively thick endocarp (shell 2–8 mm), 25–55% of fruitMesocarp = 35–65%Kernel = 7–20%
Tenera: heterozygous (Sh sh) with a relatively thin endocarp (0.5-4 mm), 1–32%Mesocarp = 60-95%Kernel = 3-15%
Pisifera: homozygous (sh sh) for the absence of an endocarp; is sterile.