5.8 SEMI-TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL FLOWERING PLANT

5.8 SEMI-TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL FLOWERING PLANT

 

After describing various parts of plant, a floral diagram and a floral formula are presented.

The floral formula is represented by some symbols. 

In the floral formula, Br stands for bracteate (bract is a reduced leaf at the base of the pedicel), K stands for calyx , C for corolla, P for perianth, A for androecium and G for Gynoecium, G for superior ovary and ___ for inferior ovary,  for ___ male, ___ for female, ____ for bisexual plants, ⊕ for actinomorphic (flower that possesses radial symmetry) and % for zygomorphic (capable of dividing into 2 equal parts/ mirror image by only one longitudinal plane passing through the axis)nature of flower. Fusion is indicated by enclosing the figure within bracket and adhesion by a line drawn above the symbols of the floral parts. 

A floral diagram provides information about the number of parts of a flower, their arrangement and the relation they have with one another (Figure 5.16). 

The position of the mother axis with respect to the flower is represented by a dot on the top of the floral diagram. Calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium are drawn in successive whorls, calyx being the outermost and the gynoecium being in the centre. Floral formula also shows cohesion and adhesion within parts of whorls and between whorls. The floral diagram and floral formula in Figure 5.16 represents the mustard plant (Family: Brassicaceae).