POMUM, an APPLE; a species of feed-vessel, com-
posed of a succulent fleshy pulp; in the middle of which
is generally found a membranous capsule, with a num-
ber of cells, or cavities, for containing the seeds. Seed-
vessels of this kind have no external opening or valve.
At the end opposite to the foot-stalk is frequently a
small cavity, called by the gardeners the eye of the fruit,
and by botanists umbilicus, the "navel," from its fan-
cied resemblance to the navel in animals. Gourd, cu-
cumber, melon, pomegranate, pear, and apple, furnish
instances of the fruit or feed-vessel in question.