Question

A flower is hypogynous with axile placentation and swollen placenta. Which family does this flower belong to?

• A. Asteraceae
• B. Lamiaceae
• C. Solanaceae
• D. Malvaceae

Hint:

To master questions on plant families, create a comparative chart of key characteristics (ovary position, placentation, inflorescence, fruit type) for major families like Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Malvaceae. The swollen placenta is a very strong keyword for Solanaceae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The problem requires identifying a plant family based on specific floral traits. Each trait must be assessed to determine the matching family.
Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Let's examine the floral characteristics:

Hypogynous flower: Indicates a superior ovary, with petals, sepals, and stamens attached at its base.
Axile placentation: The ovary has two or more chambers (locules), with ovules attached to a central axis where partitions meet.
Swollen placenta: A fleshy, enlarged placenta (ovule attachment point).
Evaluating the options:

(A) Asteraceae: Typically has an inferior ovary (epigynous flower) and basal placentation, which doesn't align.

(B) Lamiaceae: Features a superior ovary (hypogynous) and axile placentation. However, the placenta isn't typically swollen, and the ovary usually has four locules divided by a false septum.

(C) Solanaceae: Characterized by a superior ovary (hypogynous), bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium, and axile placentation with a distinctive, swollen placenta bearing numerous ovules. Septum often oblique. This perfectly matches. Example: tomato ({Solanum lycopersicum}).

(D) Malvaceae: Shows a superior ovary (hypogynous) and axile placentation, but lacks the characteristically swollen placenta of Solanaceae.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The combination of a hypogynous flower, axile placentation, and a swollen placenta uniquely identifies the Solanaceae family.