Several ovules are borne on an elongate open cupule of bracts. The fruit is a small cupule containing three seeds. The hemispherical indentation itself is an important element of paleoart, known as a "cupule". The fruit is a golden-colored cupule in diameter with many sharp spines, maturing in autumn. It develops from an inferior ovary, meaning it is initially encased in the future cupule. Its length is half covered by the cupule. The cupule is covered by numerous scales. "Runcaria", small and radially symmetrical, is an integumented megasporangium surrounded by a cupule. He mistakenly thought the entire ovule was enclosed in the cupule, unlike typical gymnosperms. The cupule at the base of the berry, can be more brightly colored. The cupule is wide while the acorn itself is long. The cupule holds and protects the fruit during its growth and maturation. Each cupule contains one ovoid shiny dark brown nut that is edible. In "Lithocarpus", the cupule is very hard and bone-like in texture.