'rough-fruited' originates from the combination of 'rough,' meaning 'having an uneven or irregular surface,' and 'fruit,' referring to the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants.

'Rough' and 'fruit' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, with 'rough' deriving from Old English 'ruh' and 'fruit' from Old French 'frui(t),' eventually forming the compound adjective 'rough-fruited.'

Initially, 'rough' meant 'uneven or coarse,' and 'fruit' referred to the produce of plants. The compound 'rough-fruited' has maintained its descriptive meaning over time.