A drupe is a type of fruit that has a fleshy outer layer surrounding a single hard seed or pit. Common examples of drupes include cherries, peaches, and olives. The structure of a drupe typically consists of three layers: the exocarp (outer skin), mesocarp (fleshy middle), and endocarp (hard inner layer that encases the seed). Drupes are classified as a type of simple fruit, meaning they develop from a single ovary of a flower. This unique structure allows drupes to protect their seeds while providing a nutritious food source for animals, which helps in seed dispersal.