Which of the following floral formula is the correct floral formula of Solanaceae family ?
Correct Answer :
⊕ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2) (with epipetalous arc over C and A)
⊕ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2) (with epipetalous arc over C and A)
Solution :
The floral formula is a shorthand that records the symmetry, number of whorls, and fusion of floral parts. Each symbol stands for a specific organ:
= calyx (sepals) = corolla (petals) = androecium (stamens) = gynoecium (carpels).
Numbers in parentheses indicate that the parts are free (not fused), while a plain number indicates fusion of that many parts.
Symmetry (⊕)
Solanaceae flowers are actinomorphic (radially symmetric), which is represented by the symbol ⊕ at the beginning of the formula.
Calyx – K(5)
The family typically has five sepals that are separate from each other. The “(5)” after K shows that the five sepals are free.
Corolla – C(5)
The corolla consists of five petals that are often fused into a tubular shape, but botanically they are considered five distinct units. The parenthesis again indicates that the five petals are free when counted, even though they may be partially fused. In Solanaceae the petals form a cup‑shaped tube and the stamens arise from its inner surface; this relationship is denoted by an epipetalous arc drawn over the C and A symbols.
Androecium – A5
There are five stamens. Because they are attached to the corolla tube (epipetalous), they are shown without parentheses, meaning the five stamens are considered a single united whorl.
Gynoecium – G(2)
The gynoecium is bicarpellary, formed by two fused carpels. The parentheses indicate that the two carpels are fused together, producing a syncarpous ovary.
Putting all the parts together yields the complete floral formula for the Solanaceae family:
⊕ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2) (with epipetalous arc over C and A)
This formula accurately captures the radial symmetry, the five free sepals, five (often fused) petals, five epipetalous stamens, and a syncarpous gynoecium of two carpels that characterise Solanaceae flowers.
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