Floral Formula of Solanaceae:
The general floral formula of the family Solanaceae is:
Br ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G̲(2)
Explanation of the formula:
• Br – Bracteate flower
• ⊕ – Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical)
• ⚥ – Bisexual flower
• K(5) – Five united sepals (gamosepalous calyx)
• C(5) – Five united petals (gamopetalous corolla)
• A5 – Five stamens
• G̲(2) – Bicarpellary, syncarpous ovary with superior position
Two Economic Uses of Solanaceae:
1. Food Crops:
Many important food plants belong to this family, such as potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and brinjal (Solanum melongena). These crops are widely cultivated and form an essential part of the human diet.
2. Medicinal and Commercial Uses:
Plants like Atropa belladonna, Datura, and Withania contain medicinal alkaloids used in pharmaceutical preparations. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), another member of this family, is commercially important for producing tobacco products.
Thus, the Solanaceae family has great economic importance due to its food crops and medicinal plants.