Question

A student was given a bisexual, actinomorphic pentamerous, gamosepalous and gamopetalous with 5 stamens in epipetalous condition and bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary and asked to state the floral formula. Which one of the following is the correct floral formula for the given flower?

• A. $\oplus$ $\text{Bisexual}$ $K_{(5)} C_{(5)} A_{5} \underline{G}_{(2)}$
• B. $\oplus$ $\text{Bisexual}$ $K_c \overbrace{C A} G...$
• C. $\oplus$ $\text{Bisexual}$ $K_{(5)} C_{(5)} A_{5} \overline{G}_{(2)}$
• D. $\oplus$ $\text{Bisexual}$ $K_{(5)} \overbrace{C_{(5)} A_{5}} \underline{G}_{(2)}$

Hint:

Parentheses () = United/fused parts.
Arc over symbols $\overbrace{\text{C A}}$ = Adhesion between different whorls (like epipetalous).
Underline $\underline{\text{G}}$ = Superior ovary (floral parts attached below it).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Problem:
A floral formula is a highly compressed symbolic representation of the structure of a flower, detailing its symmetry, sexuality, and the whorls (calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium).
Step 2: Approach and Formula:
Translate each descriptive botanical term systematically into its corresponding standard floral symbol.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's decode the given description sequentially:
- Actinomorphic: Represented by $\oplus$.
- Bisexual: Represented by the standard symbol or word (Bisexual).
- Gamosepalous, pentamerous: 5 fused sepals (Calyx). Represented by $K_{(5)}$ (brackets denote fusion).
- Gamopetalous, pentamerous: 5 fused petals (Corolla). Represented by $C_{(5)}$.
- 5 stamens: Androecium with 5 free stamens. Represented by $A_{5}$.
- Epipetalous condition: Stamens are attached to the petals. Represented by an arc or tie connecting C and A: $\widehat{CA}$.
- Bicarpellary syncarpous: 2 fused carpels. Represented by $G_{(2)}$.
- Superior ovary: The gynoecium sits above the other whorls. Represented by a line drawn exactly below the G: $\underline{G}$.
Combining these elements precisely yields the formula for the Solanaceae family: $\oplus$ Bisexual $K_{(5)}\widehat{C_{(5)}A_{5}} \underline{G}_{(2)}$.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is (4).