https://hackaday.com/2021/04/22/the-fascinating-world-of-fasciation/
Looks like a case of fasciation!
Fasciation has many causes both internal and external. Internally, it happens because of a hormonal imbalance in the growth cells, a bacterial or viral infection, or a random genetic mutation. There are also environmental causes, like chemical exposure, cold and frost exposure, or fungi, mite, and insect attacks.
Oh man I haven’t seen hackaday in YEARS.
Thanks for the info, that’s super interesting. It had to be insect attack. I’ve been dealing with aphids this year and this plant got hit pretty bad.
Nope, never! Maybe the plant dried up for a small amount of time while they were small? Not sure…
I’ve never seen one with more than two lobes, though I would imagine it’s related to the same cause. Back when I grew strawberries it was usually due to rapid growth or high rains causing a split in the flesh.
I have seen some odd shapes over the years. I have no idea what causes them though. It will still be tasty!