Morphology of Flowering Plants 90 GREEN PARK

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS

INTRODUCTION
KATHERINE ESAU was born in Ukraine in 1898.
She studied agriculture in Russia and Germany and received
her doctorate in 1931 in United States.
She reported in her early publications that the curly top virus
spreads through a plant via the food- conducting or phloem tissue.
Curly top virus is responsible for stunting of plant, deformation
of leaves and fruits.
Petioles, blades of the leaves curl, twist and become
discolored.
Dr Esau’s Plant Anatomy published in 1954 took a dynamic, developmental approach designed to
enhance one’s understanding of plant structure and an enormous impact worldwide, literally bringing
about a revival of the discipline.
The Anatomy of Seed Plants by Katherine Esau was published in 1960. It was referred to as
Webster’s of plant biology – it is encyclopediac.
In 1957 she was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, becoming the sixth woman to receive
that honour. In addition to this prestigious award, she received the National Medal of Science from
President George Bush in 1989.
When Katherine Esau died in the year 1997, Peter Raven, director of Anatomy and Morphology,
Missouri Botanical Garden, remembered that she ‘absolutely dominated’ the field of plant biology
even at the age of 99.
MORPHOLOGY
Study of external characters of the flowering plants is called Morphology. Plant Morphology can be
studied under two broad categories:
I. Vegetative morphology – It includes study of shoot and root systems.
II. Reproductive morphology – It includes study of Flower/inflorescence, Fruit and Seed.
VEGETATIVE MORPHOLOGY
Vegetative morphology deals with the study of shape, size, structure, plant parts like roots, stems and
leaves.
To understand the vegetative morphology the following important components are to be studied.
They are,
i) Habit,
ii) Habitat
iii) Lifespan.

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 91 GREEN PARK
i) Habit
The general form of a plant is referred to as habit. Based on habit plants are classified into herbs,
shrubs, climbers (vines) and trees.
a) Herbs: Herbs are soft stemmed plants. According to the duration of their lifespan they may be
classified as annuals (Rice), biennials (Radish).
b) Shrubs: A shrub is a perennial, woody, bushy plant with several branches of a main stem arising
from the ground level. Eg: Hibiscus
c) Climbers (Vine): An elongated weak stem generally supported by means of climbing devices
are called Climbers (vines), which may be annual or perennial, herbaceous or woody. Ex:
Grape vine
d) Trees: A tree is a stout, tall, perennial, woody plant having one main stem called trunk with
many lateral branches. Eg: Mango, Sapota, Jack, Fig, Teak.
ii) Plant habitat
Depending upon where plants grow, habitats may be classified into two major categories: Terrestrial
and Aquatic.
a) Terrestrial: Plants growing on land are called terrestrial plants.
b) Aquatic: Plants that are living in water environment are called aquatic plants or hydrophytes.
iii) Life Span
Based on life span, plants are classified into three types. They are Annuals, Biennials and Perennials
a) Annuals: An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the
production of seeds, within one growing season and then dies. Eg: Peas, Maize, Water melon,
Groundnut, Sunflower, Rice etc.
b) Biennials: A plant that lives for two seasons, growing vegetatively during the first season and
flowering and fruiting during the second season. Eg: Onion, Lettuce, Carrot, Radish,
Cabbage.
c) Perennials: A plant that grows for many years, that flowers and set fruits in several seasons
during the life span. When they bear fruits every year, they are called polycarpic.
Eg: Mango, Sapota, etc.
Some plants produce flowers and fruits only once and die after a vegetative growth of several
years. These plants are called Monocarpic. Ex: Bamboo, Agave.
Parts of a flowering plant
Flowering plants are called “Phanerogams”. They are sporophytes (2n, Diploid)
It consists of main axis bearing lateral appendages. The axis is generally divided into an underground
root and an aerial shoot. Root system develops from radicle and is usually brown. Axis of the root
system is called primary root and its branches are called lateral roots.
The apical bud of embryonic shoot is called plumule, which gives rise to shoot system. The shoot
system comprises stem, leaves, flowers and fruits.

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 92 GREEN PARK
Stem is divisible into nodes and internodes. Shoot has normal
buds namely apical and axillary buds. Apical bud (or) terminal
bud is present at the tip of the stem (or) branch and is
responsible for linear growth.
Axillary bud develops in the axils of leaves and usually
produces branches or floral buds on the onset of flowering.
Leaves arise from the nodes of main stem or branches and
perform photosynthesis.
They are the lateral and exogenous appendages of the stem.
Leaf stalk is called petiole. Leaf performs photosynthesis,
transpiration and exchange of gases.
THE ROOT Parts of angiospermic Plant
Roots are cylindrical, underground and non-green part of the plant. It is generally the descending
portion of the plant axis i.e, it grows downward into the soil. It lacks nodes, leaves, buds, but gives
rise to endogenous lateral branches
Roots move in the direction of gravity (geotropism) and against the direction of light (phototropism).
Hence the roots are said to be positively geotropic and negatively phototropic. Plants have well
developed root system.
I) Types of root system
i) Tap root system: The primary root is directly elongated from the radicle and grows inside the soil. It
bears lateral roots of several orders that are referred to as secondary, tertiary roots etc. The primary
roots and its branches constitute the tap root system. Ex: Most of the dicots (Mustard) and
gymnosperms.
ii) Fibrous root system: Radicle is short lived and in place of it a tuft of roots develop from the base of
the stem and appear like a bunch of fibres. Ex: Monocots like Wheat.
iii) Adventitious root system:
Some plants have specialized roots called adventitious roots. These roots develop from any part of
the plant other than the radicle. Ex: Monstera, Banyan tree. Fibrous root system is a type of
adventitious root system.

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II. Functions of root
i) Help to anchor the plant firmly in the soil.
ii) Absorb water and minerals from soil.
iii) Storage.
iv) Secretion.
v) Conduction
III) Regions of the root
1) Region of root cap: The apex of the root is covered by a thimble like structure called root cap. It
protects the tender apex of the root and helps its way through the soil.
2) Region of meristematic activity: This layer is few millimeter above the root cap. The cells of this layer
are thin – walled, small, with dense protoplasm. They
divide repeatedly to produce new cells.
3) Region of elongation: The cells proximal to the
meristematic region undergo rapid elongation and
enlargement which are responsible for the growth of roots
in length.
4) Region of maturation: The cells of elongation zone
gradually differentiate and mature. Hence, this zone
proximal to region of elongation is called the region of
maturation. Some epidermal cells from the region of
maturation form very fine and delicate thread like
structures called root hairs. The root hairs increase the
surface area for absorption of water and minerals from
the soil. The region of the root tip
IV) Modifications: Any variation from the normal structure of an organ to perform special function
other than its normal functions is called modification.
I. Tap root modification
a. Storage roots
1) Conical roots: These are cone like, broad at the base and gradually tapering towards the apex.
Ex: Daucus carota (carrot).
2) Fusiform or Spindle shaped roots: These roots are swollen in the middle and tapering towards both ends.
Ex: Raphanus sativus (Radish).
3) Napiform or top shaped roots: These are very broad and suddenly tapers like a tail at the apex.
Example: Beta vulgaris, Turnip.
b. Pneumatophores or Breathing roots:
Some mangrove plants like Avicennia, Rhizophora develop special kinds of roots (Negatively
geotropic) for respiration because the soil becomes saturated with water and aeration is very poor.
They have a large number of breathing pores or pneumathodes for exchange of gases.
c. Nodular roots
Nodules are formed on roots by nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobium)
Example: Plants of Fabaceae. Ex: Pea, Gram, Bean etc.
Root nodules have pink coloured pigment called Leghaemoglobin.

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(a) Storage roots (b) Respiratory roots (c) Nodular roots

II) Adventitious root modifications
a) Storage roots
i) Tuberous roots: The food is stored in these roots. Therefore they become swollen and irregular.
These roots have no definite shape Ex: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
ii) Fasciculated roots:
These are adventitious roots occurring in clusters at the base of the stem and all of them are swollen.
Ex: Asparagus (Monocot), Dahlia (Dicot)

Tuberous root Fasciculated roots

Ex: Ipomoea Ex : Dahlia
b) Mechanical support
i) Prop roots or pillar roots: These roots arise from branches of plant and grow vertically downward
towards the soil. These roots support the tree. Ex: Banyan
ii) Stilt roots or brace roots: These roots arise from lower node of the stem and grow obliquely downward
and enter into the soil. These roots are supporting roots.
Ex: Maize, Sugarcane, Pandanus

Ficus benghalensis Saccharum officinarum

Adventitious root modification for mechanical support

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 95 GREEN PARK
c) Vital functions
i) Epiphytic or velamen roots: Some epiphytic orchids develop a special kind of aerial roots which hang
freely in the air. These roots develop a spongy hygroscopic, dead tissue called velamen, which helps in
absorption of moisture from the surrounding air. Ex: Vanda
ii) Sucking or Haustorial roots or Parasitic roots: These roots are found in parasitic plants. Parasitic
plants develop adventitious roots from stem which penetrate into the tissue of the host plant and suck
either nutrients (or) water (or) both
Parasites
I. Root Parasites
a. Partial / Incomplete parasite Ex: Striga, Santalum
b. Complete / Total parasite Ex: Rafflesia, Orabanche
2. Stem Parasites
a. Partial / Incomplete parasite Ex: Viscum, Loranthus
b. Complete / Total parasite Ex: Cuscuta
iii) Photosynthetic or assimilatory roots
Roots of some leafless plants have chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis. Ex: Tinospora
(Terrestrial twiner or climber), Trapa natans (water chestnut), Taeniophyllum (Epiphytic or
Lithophytic orchid plant).

Vanda Cuscuta Tinospora

Adventitious root modification for vital functions
SHOOT SYSTEM
The plumule develops into main axis of shoot system known as stem.
Stem develops different types of lateral appendages, all these lateral appendages and stem together
constitute shoot system.
I) Characteristic features of stem
1) Positively phototropic and negatively geotropic.
2) It has nodes and internodes.
3) The stem is aerial and bears buds both in the axil and at the apex.
4) The young stem is green and thus carries out photosynthesis
5) Some stems bear multicellular hairs.

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II) Functions of Stem
1) Provides support and bears leaves, flowers and fruits.
2) It transports water and mineral nutrients to the other parts from the root.
3) It transports food prepared by leaves (photosynthates) to other parts of the plant body.
III) Modification of Stem:
These are of three types
1. Aerial Stem Modification
2. Sub-aerial Stem Modification
3. Underground Stem Modification
1) Aerial Stem Modifications
a) Tendrils
Tendrils are long, slender, sensitive and thread like coiling structures which help the plants in
climbing.
Axillary bud modified into tendril –Passiflora, Gourds (Cucumber, Pumpkin, Water melon)
Terminal bud modified into tendril – Vitis (Grapes)
b) Thorns
These are straight, long, woody, pointed and defensive in function.
Axillary buds modified into thorns – Ex: Duranta, Citrus, Bougainvillea.
Terminal bud modified into thorns – Ex: Carissa
c) Phylloclade
An evergreen flattened cylindrical / angled stem and branches of unlimited growth are called
phylloclade.
It is a characteristic adaptation of xerophytes
Phylloclade is fleshy flattened leaf like in Opuntia, cylindrical in Euphorbia, needle like in
Casuarina, ribbon like in Cocoloba.
d) Cladode
Aerial green branches of limited growth present in xerophytes are called cladodes or cladophylls.
These are seen in xerophytes.
In Asparagus the cladodes are one or two internode long straight needle like or cylindrical structures.
In Ruscus, leaf like cladode arises in the axil of scale leaf.
e) Bulbil
Vegetative or floral buds that store food and serve for vegetative propagation.
In Dioscorea bulbils develop in the axils of leaves.
In Agave (century plant) and Globba many of the floral buds in the inflorescence are modified into
bulbils.
In Oxalis bulbils develop like adventitious buds on the swollen tuberous root. These are known as
root bulbils.

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Aerial stem modifications

2) Sub aerial stem modifications:
Prostrate stems either creeps on the surface of the soil or found below superficially are called sub
aerial stems.
They behave as independent plants when detached and thus help in vegetative propagation.
Sub aerial stem modifications are of four types.
a) Offset:
Aquatic plants such as Pistia (water cabbage) and Eichhornia (Water hyacinth) contain lateral
branches which bear single internode.
In these lateral branches bears a rosette of leaves at the apex and a cluster (tuft) of roots below.
b) Sucker:
In plants like Banana, Pineapple, Chrysanthemum, the lateral branches originate from the basal and
underground portion of the main stem.
They grow horizontally below the surface of the soil to some distance and then emerge out obliquely
upward to form the aerial shoot.
c) Runner:
They are elongated, slender prostrate branches with long internodes and roots at nodes.
They spread to new niches and when older parts die new plants are formed. Ex: Grasses.
Strawberry, Oxalis.
d) Stolon:
In plants like Mint, Jasmine and Nerium, a slender lateral branch arises from the base of the main
axis and after growing aerially for some time, arch downwards to touch the ground.
The method of producing new plants in horticulture is called layering and it is dependent on stolon
principle.

Offset-Eichhornia Sucker-Chrysanthemum Runner-Oxalis Stolon-Fragaria

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3) Underground or multipurpose stem modifications:
They store food.
They help in protection from animals and also help in vegetative propagation.
They act as organs of perennation to tide over conditions unfavourable for growth.
They are four types.
a) Rhizome: It grows horizontally below the soil, bears nodes, internodes, buds and scale leaves
Ex: Ginger, Banana, Turmeric.
b) Stem tuber: Terminal portion of underground branches of a stem which is swollen on account of
accumulation of food. Ex: Potato, Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke).
c) Corm: It grows vertically beneath soil surface. It is usually unbranched. It bears nodes, internodes,
buds and scale leaves. Its depth is maintained by contractile or pull roots. Ex: Colocasia,
Amorphophallus (Zaminkand).
d) Bulb: Stem is reduced and disc shaped. It is surrounded by many concentric scale leaves. Leaf base
of inner whorls are fleshy, edible and of outer ones are dry and papery (Tunica). Ex: Onion, Lily, Garlic
It is of two types – tunicated and non tunicated.
Tunicated bulb is covered by a sheath of membranous scales called tunic. It may be
i) Simple tunicated bulb-covered by a sheath. Ex: Onion.
ii) Compound tunicated bulb Ex: Garlic.
Non tunicated bulb: Bulb is not covered by tunic. Ex: Lilium

Rhizome - Zingiber Stem Tuber - Solanum Corm - Colocasia Bulb - Allium

THE LEAF
The leaf is a lateral, generally flattened, exogenous and dorsiventrally (in dicots) differentiated
structure arises on the stem or branches.
It develops at the node and bears a bud in its axil, called axillary bud.
The axillary bud later develops into branch or flower. Leaves originate from nodal region of shoot
apical meristems and are arranged in acropetal order. They are the most important vegetative organs
for photosynthesis. All the leaves of a plant together are referred to as foliage.
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I. Functions of leaf
a) Primary functions
1) Photosynthesis
2) Transpiration
3) Gaseous exchange
4) Protection of buds
II) Parts of Leaf
1. Leaf base
The basal part of leaf which is attached to stem is known as leaf base. Sheathing leaf base encircles
stem partially or wholly in monocots. Pulvinus leaf base is swollen and found in most of legume
plants.
Leaf base bears two lateral small leaf like structures called stipules.
2. Petiole
The part of leaf connecting between leaf base and lamina is known as petiole. The petiole helps the
leaf blade to expose to light. Long thin flexible petioles allow leaf blades to flutter in wind there by
cooling the leaf and bringing fresh air to leaf surface.
3. Lamina
It is a broad, flattened and expanded dorsiventrally differentiated part of leaf. Its main function is
photosynthesis, Respiration and transpiration. It contains veins and veinlets. There is usually, a
middle prominent vein, which is known as the midrib.
Veins provide rigidity to the leaf blade and act as channels for transport of water, minerals and food
materials.
The shape, margin, apex, surface and extent of incision of lamina vary in different leaves.
III. Venation
The mode of arrangement of veins and veinlets in the lamina is termed as venation. Veins are made
of vascular tissue, namely xylem and phloem.
It gives mechanical support and shape to the lamina.
It is of two types - Reticulate and Parallel.
1) Reticulate venation
The mid vein produces numerous lateral veins and veinlets. Veinlets form a network or reticulum. It
is observed in dicots.
Smilax and Dioscorea are monocots with reticulate venation (exception).
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2) Parallel venation
In this type of venation, all lateral veins run parallel to each other and do not form network. Veinlets
are absent. It is observed in monocots. Caulophyllum and Eryngium are dicots with parallel
venation (exception).
V. Types of leaves
Different types of leaves which exist in nature are
i) Simple leaf : The leaf in which the leaf blade is not incised or when incised, the incisions do not
touch the midrib. It has bud in the axil of the petiole. Ex: Peepal, Mango, Radish.

Simple leaf Pinnately compound leaf Palmately compound leaf

ii) Compound leaf : The leaf in which the lamina or leaf blade is completely broken into distinct
leaflets is called compound leaf. The leaf has incisions which reach the midrib. Compound leaf
contains a bud at the axil of the petiole but it is absent in the axil of leaflets. The compound leaves are of
two types.
a) Pinnately compound leaf : In pinnately compound leaf, the midrib forms a common axis called
rachis. A number of leaf lets are present on rachis. Ex: Neem

b) Palmately compound leaf : In palmately compound leaf, the leaflets are attached to a common
point at the tip of the petiole.
VI. Phyllotaxy (Phyllo- leaf, taxis – arrangement)
The pattern in which the leaves are arranged on the stem or its branches is called phyllotaxy.
The leaves are arranged in such a way so that all of them get proper sunlight.
It is 3 types.
1) Alternate phyllotaxy
There is only one leaf at each node and are arranged alternately.
Ex: China rose, Mustard, Sunflower.
2) Opposite phyllotaxy
In this type each node possesses two leaves opposite to each other. It is of two types.
a) Opposite superposed: A pair of leaves are arranged in the same plane, that is two opposite leaves at
each node lie exactly above those at the lower node Ex: Psidium (Guava), Quisqualis (Rangoon
creeper)
b) Opposite decussate: One pair of leaves is placed at right angles to the next upper or lower pair of
leaves. Ex: Calotropis, Ocimum, Guava (in Guava both superposed and decussate types are present).

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3) Whorled (verticillate) Phyllotaxy
More than two leaves are present at each node forming a circle or whorl.
Ex: Nerium, Alstonia

Alternate Opposite superposed Opposite decussate Whorled

(Polyathia) (Guava) (Calotropis) (Alstonia)
Phyllotaxy

VII) Modifications of Leaf

i) Leaf tendrils: In some plants, leaves modify into long, slender, thread like coiled, sensitive structures
called tendrils. They coil around a support to which they come in contact. Their main function is to
support climbing plants. Ex: Pea, Sweet Pea.
ii) Leaf spines: They are small, sharp pointed structures which reduce transpiration and protect the plants
from grazing animals. Ex: Cactus, Aloe.
iii) Storage leaves: In some plants such as Onion, Garlic etc fleshy scale leaves store food.
iv) Phyllode: In certain plants such as Australian acacia the leaflets are small and short lived. In these
plants the petiole modifies to form flat, green coloured leaf – like structure which performs
photosynthesis. These are known as phyllodes. It is characteristic feature of xerophytes.

v) Reproductive leaves: Modified leaves with epiphyllous buds are called reproductive leaves. These
buds help in vegetative propagation. In Bryophyllum the buds lie in the notches along the crenate
margins of the leaf. In Scilla indica buds are present at the tips of the leaves. In Begonia epiphyllous
buds develops from injured parts of the leaf.

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vi) Trap leaves:
Modified leaves that trap insects to fulfil the nitrogen requirement are called trap leaves. Some plants
growing in nitrogen deficient soils depend on organisms like insects for their nitrogen requirements.
Trap leaves attract the insects, trap and digest their proteins.
Digestive glands are present in these leaves that secrete hydrolytic and proteolytic digestive juices to
digest insect proteins and assimilate nitrogenous compounds in the plant.
Leaf modifications in Nepenthes
Lower petiole – Phyllode
Upper petiole – Tendril
Lamina – Pitcher
Leaf apex - Lid
Nectar glands are present in the rim of the pitcher.
Ex: Nepenthes (Pitcher plant), Dionea (Venusflytrap), Utricularia (Bladerwort) and Drosera (Sundew)

Nepenthes Dionaea Utricularia Drosera

REPRODUCTIVE MORPHOLOGY
It includes inflorescence, flower, fruit, seed:
INFLORESCENCE
The mode of arrangement of flowers on the floral axis (Peduncle) of the plant is known as inflorescence
or Anthotaxy.
It is formed from floral bud.
It may be terminal or axillary or rarely intercalary.
Based on the growth of the peduncle it is of 4 types.
I) Racemose II) Cymose III) Mixed IV) Special
I) Racemose inflorescence
Growth is indefinite or indeterminate
Flowers are borne laterally
The arrangement of the flowers is acropetal or centripetal

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A) Racemose inflorescence with pedicillate flowers
i) Simple raceme: Peduncle is long unbranched and grows indefinitely. Arrangement and opening of
flowers is acropetal. Flowers are bracteate, pedicellate and bisexual.
Ex: Crotalaria (Fabaceae), Mustard (Brassicaceae).
ii) Compound raceme (panicle): Peduncle is long, branched and grows indefinitely. Pedicellate flowers
are acropetally arranged on the branches of the inflorescence axis. Ex: Mangifera
iii) Simple corymb: Peduncle is moderately long, unbranched and grows indefinitely. Arrangement and
opening of flowers is acropetal. Flowers are bracteate, pedicellate and bisexual. Lower flowers have
longer stalks than upper flowers. As a result all the flowers are brought to the same level. Ex: Cassia.
iv) Compound corymb: Peduncle is branched and each branch resembles a simple corymb.
Ex: Pyrus malus, Cauliflower
v) Simple umbel: Peduncle is condensed and unbranched. Arrangement and opening of flowers is
centripetal. Flowers are bracteate, pedicellate and bisexual. All the flowers appear to be arising from
the same point due to condensed peduncle. The bracts of flowers form a whorl called involucre that
protects the inflorescence in bud condition. Ex: Allium. It is also called Cymose like racemose.

Simple raceme Compound raceme Simple Simple Compound umbel

(Panicle) Corymb Umbel
vi) Compound umbel: Peduncle is branched and each branch resembles a simple umbel. All the
branches of peduncle arise from the same point. The whorl of bracts present at the base of the each
branch of inflorescence is called involucre of bracts and those at the base of the flowers are called
involucel of bracts. Ex: Coriandrum, Carrot (Umbelliferae or Apiaceae)
B) Racemose inflorescence with sessile flowers
i) Simple spike
It is a racemose but with sessile flowers. Ex: Achyranthus
ii) Compound spike
Inflorescence axis of a spike is branched. Ultimate branch of compound spike with one or more
flowers is called spikelet.
The axis of the spikelet is called rachilla. The lower sterile bracts (without flowers) on the rachilla
are called glumes. The upper bracts that bear flowers (fertile bracts) are called lemma.
The structure present (bracteole) opposite to the lemma is called palea. A single sessile flower is
present between lemma and palea. Perianth is reduced and represented by two lodicules.
Paddy husk is morphologically lemma and palea. Ex: Oryza (Poaceae)
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iii) Catkin
Peduncle is long thin unbranched and pendulous (hanging).
It bears unisexual, sessile acropetally arranged flowers. Ex: Acalypha.
iv) Simple spadix
Peduncle is long, unbranched, fleshy structure and grows indefinitely. Arrangement and opening of
flowers is acropetal.
Flowers are bracteate, sessile and unisexual.
The peduncle possesses sessile female flowers at the base, neuter flowers in the middle and male
flowers near the tip. One of the bracts of the female flowers is modified into large green or coloured
spathe. It surrounds the entire inflorescence and it is leathery in its nature.
The elongated sterile tip of the peduncle is called appendix. Ex: Colocasia, Amorphophallus
v) Compound spadix:
Spadix with branched peduncle is called compound spadix. Ex: Cocos nucifera - the spathe is hard,
woody, boat shaped and protects all the branches and flowers of the peduncle.
Spathe is hard and boat shaped modified bract in Cocos.
vi) Head or Capitulum or Anthodium
Among the racemose inflorescence, it looks like a single flower.
Unisexual and bisexual sessile flowers develop centripetally on a condensed disc or receptacle like
peduncle in Asteraceae (Tridax and Helianthus). This inflorescence is surrounded by involucre of
bracts.
It has small flowers called florets.
These are two types
Ray florets (around the disc)
Disc florets (on the disc)
a) Homogamous head: Head inflorescence with only one type of florets. Ex: Chrysanthemum, (with
bisexual ray florets only) Vernonia – with disc florets only.
b) Heterogamous head: Head inflorescence with two types of florets (peripheral female ray florets
and bisexual disc florets) is called heterogamous head Ex: Tridax, Helianthus
c) Compound head: Head with branched peduncle is called compound head. Ex: Echinops,
Parthenium
Among the racemose types head is advanced inflorescence because a single insect may pollinate
many flowers within a short time. The individual flowers are small and all together forms
conspicuous inflorescence.
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Simple spike Compound spike Catkin

Head Simple spadix Compound spadix

II) Cymose inflorescence

Growth is definite or determinate (sympodial)
Flowers are actually terminal though they may appear to be lateral
The arrangement of flowers is basipetal or centrifugal
The opening of flowers take place either by basipetal or centrifugal.
Types of cymose inflorescences:
i) Solitary cyme: An inflorescence with a single flower is called solitary cyme. In Hibiscus and
Gossypium solitary axillary and in Datura solitary terminal. The stalk of the flower can be
distinguished into peduncle and pedicel with an articulation in between the two.
ii) Simple cyme or Cymule: This is a three flowered cymose inflorescence. The peduncle bears a flower
at its tip and two lateral flowers develop at the base. Ex: Jasminum, Bougainvillea
iii) Branched: It is Three types
1. Monochasial
2. Dichasial
3. Polychasial

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 106 GREEN PARK
1) Monochasial cyme
The main axis terminates with a flower and bears single branch successively.
It is of two types based on the direction in which the successive branches are formed.
a) Helicoid cyme
b) Scorpioid cyme
a) Helicoid cyme
Successive lateral branches are formed on the same side in spiral manner.
Flowers are present opposite to bracts.
All the flower bearing branches form a sympodial axis thus resembling racemose inflorescence. Flowers
on one side and bracts on other side. Ex: Hamelia

Solitary cyme Simple cyme Monochasial Monochasial Dichasial Polychasial

Helicoid Scorpioid cyme cyme
b) Scorpioid cyme
Successive lateral branches are formed on alternate side in zig-zag manner.
Flower bearing branches arise in the axil of bracts and flowers are present opposite to bracts.
Ex: Solanum.
2) Dichasial cyme (Biparous cyme)
Peduncle terminates with a flower. Two branches develop at each time from axils of bracts.
Ex: Ipomoea.
3) Polychasial cyme (Multiparous cyme)
Peduncle terminates with a flower and more than two branches develop at each time. Ex: Nerium
III) Mixed inflorescence: It has both racemose and Cymose characters in the same inflorescence.
Ex: Thyrsus (Ocimum)
IV) Special inflorescence: An inflorescence with unique characters is called special inflorescence.
1) Verticillaster
A special ball like inflorescence is present around the node. It forms a false whorl is called
verticillaster. Two leaves are present at each node (opposite phyllotaxy).
At each node two dichasial cymes arise from the axils of opposite leaves. Each dichasial cyme
terminated by two monochasial scorpioid cymes.
The flowers are bisexual and crowded around the node like a false whorl.
Ex: Leucas (Labiatae or Lamiaceae)
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2) Cyathium
A special type of (cup like) inflorescence resembling a flower is called cyathium. All the bracts unite
to form a cup shaped involucre. The flowers are unisexual, pedicellate, bracteate and achlamydeous or
naked.
They are extremely reduced without perianth (achlamydeous) and are placed on a convex receptacle.
A single projected female flower is present at the centre with tricarpellary syncarpous superior
ovary.
Many male flowers are present surrounding the female flower in five groups of monochasial
scorpioid cymes and open in centrifugal order.
Each male flower is represented by a single stamen (Monandrous). Nectar gland is present on the
involucre. Ex: Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae)
3) Hypanthodium
A fruit like inflorescence is called Hypanthodium. Peduncle is fleshy and condensed forming a deep
cup shaped receptacle.
The flowers are sessile, unisexual and are of three types, male, female and gall (sterile female)
flowers.
Each male flower has three stamens. Ex: Ficus sps.

FLOWER
The flower is the reproductive unit in the angiosperms. It is a modified shoot, meant for sexual
reproduction. It consists of four whorls which are successively arranged on the thalamus or
receptacle.
Thalamus is the swollen end of the pedicel. The four whorls present in a flower are calyx, corolla,
androecium, and gynoecium.
The calyx and corolla are non essential or accessory organs and androecium and gynoecium are the
essential or reproductive organs of a flower.
In some flowers like Lily, the calyx and corolla are not distinct and are termed as perianth.

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 108 GREEN PARK

i) Bisexual flower: When a flower has both androecium and gynoecium. Ex: Pea, Hibiscus.
ii) Unisexual flower: A flower having either androecium or gynoecium.
a. Monoecious: Both male and female flowers are present in the same plant Ex: Coconut.
b. Dioecious: Male and Female flowers are present on separate plants. Ex: Papaya, Borassus.
c. Polygamous: The condition in which bisexual and unisexual (staminate/pistillate) flowers occur in
a same plant is called polygamous Ex: Polygonum, Mangifera.
iii) Bracteate: Flower with bract.
iv) Ebracteate: Flower without bract.
v) Complete flower: All four whorls are present.
vi) Incomplete flower: Flower with less than four whorls. Ex: Unisexual flower.
I. Merosity: Arrangement of number of perianth members (calyx and corolla) in the distinct whorl of a
flower is called Merosity.
1. Isomerous: Presence of same number of perianth parts. (Sepals and Petals). Ex: Hibiscus.
2. Dimerous: Floral parts in two or multiples of two. Ex: Ixora
3. Trimerous: Floral parts in three or multiples of three. Ex: Allium, Monocots.
4. Tetramerous: Floral parts in four or multiples of four. Ex: Brassica juncea.
5. Pentamerous: Floral parts in five or multiples of five. Ex: Hibiscus & Most of the Dicots.
II) Symmetry: The arrangement of the floral organs around the axis of a flower is known as floral
symmetry.
i) Actinomorphic flower: (radial symmetry): When a flower can be divided into two similar halves in
any plane. Ex: China rose, Mustard, Datura, Chilli.
ii) Zygomorphic flower (bilateral symmetry): When a flower can be divided into two similar halves in
only one vertical plane. Ex: Pea, Gulmohar, Bean, Cassia.
iii) Asymmetric flower (irregular): When a flower cannot be divided into two similar halves by any
vertical plane passing through the centre. Ex: Canna

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III) Position of floral parts on thalamus
Based on the position of calyx, corolla, and androecium with respect to gynoecium or ovary on the
thalamus, the flowers can be hypogynous, perigynous and epigynous.
1) Hypogynous: The flower in which gynoecium occupies the highest position while the other parts
are situated below it are called hypogynous flowers. The ovary is superior.
Ex: Mustard, China rose, Brinjal.
2) Perigynous: If gynoecium is situated in the centre of saucer like thalamus and other parts of the
flower are located on the rim or periphery of the thalamus, then flower is called perigynous. The
ovary in such flowers is said to be half superior. Ex: Plum, Rose, Peach
3) Epigynous: In these flowers the margin of the thalamus grows upward enclosing the ovary
completely and getting fused with it. The other parts of the flower arise above the ovary. Such type
of flowers is called epigynous. The ovary is said to be inferior. Ex: Guava, Cucumber, Ray florets
of Sunflower.

IV) Parts of a flower:

A flower normally has four whorls namely calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium.
A) Calyx:
Calyx is the outermost whorl of the flower and the members are called sepals. The sepals are
generally green and protect the flower in the bud state.
The calyx may be gamosepalous with united sepals. (Cotton, Datura, Brinjal) (or) polysepalous
with free sepals. (Ex: Mustard, Radish) or asepalous with absence of sepals (Ex: Xanthium).
B) Corolla:
Corolla is the second whorl of the flower. The individual parts of the corolla are called petals.
Corolla is generally brightly coloured (which makes the flower more attractive) and have fragrance
to attract insects for pollination.
The shape and structure of corolla varies in flowers. The different shapes of corolla that exist in
nature are tubular, bell-shaped, funnel shaped etc.,
Aestivation: The mode of arrangement of sepals or petals on the thalamus in the bud condition is called
aestivation.

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Types:
i) Valvate: The margins of sepals or petals, present in a whorl just touch each other without overlapping.
Ex: Calotropis
ii) Twisted: In twisted aestivation, margin of one petal or sepal overlaps the margin of the adjacent
successive petal or sepal and so on. Ex: China rose, Cotton, Lady’s finger.
iii) Imbricate: Margin of petals or sepals overlap each other but not in particular direction. Ex: Cassia,
Gulmohur.
iv) Vexillary (Descending imbricate): The largest petal (standard) overlap the two smaller lateral petals
(wings) which in turn overlaps the two smallest anterior petals (keel). Ex: Pea and Bean flower.
v) Quincuncial: Out of the five petals, two are completely internal, two are completely external and the
remaining petal, one margin is inside and the other margin is outside Ex: Calyx of Cassia, Vinca rosea

Valvate Twisted Imbricate Quincuncial Vexillary

C) Androecium:
Androecium is the third whorl of the flower, which arises inner to the corolla. It is the male
reproductive part, which is composed of stamens or Microsporophylls.
A stamen consists of filament and anther. Anthers are usually bilobed (dithecous). Each lobe
contains two microsporangia or pollen sacs. Hibiscus has monothecous anther.
A sterile stamen is called staminode. Ex: Cassia
1) Length of Stamens
i) Didynamous: out of four stamens two longer stamens are present in outer whorl and two short are in
inner whorl. Ex: Ocimum
ii) Tetradynamous: There are six stamens. In outer whorl, there are two short stamens and in inner
whorl four long stamens. Ex: Mustard (Cruciferae or Brassicaceae)
2) Adhesion of stamens
The stamen may be attached to other floral organs such as petals, sepals or gynoecium. When a
stamen is attached to the petal, then it is called epipetalous and it is seen generally in all
gamopetalae. Ex: Brinjal
When the stamens are attached to sepals then it is said to be episepalous. Ex: Grevillea.
When the stamen is attached to the perianth then it is said to be epiphyllous or epitepalous. Ex:
Lily.
Stamens may fuse with stigma of gynoecium, then it is called gynostegium (gynandrous) Eg:
Calotropis
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Epipetalous Epiphyllous
3) Cohesion of stamens
Stamens unite among themselves.
Filaments of all stamens are united in to a single tube or bundle and then it is called
monoadelphous, as in Hibiscus.
When they are united in two bundles, then it is called diadelphous. Ex:Pea
When united into more than two bundles it is called polyadelphous. Ex: Citrus.

Syngenesious: Anthers are united to form antheridial tube but filaments remain free. Ex: Compositae
family or Asteraceae (Sunflower).
Synandrous: Anthers as well as filaments of stamens are united through their whole length.
Ex: Cucurbitaceae family
D) Gynoecium
Gynoecium is the female reproductive part of the flower which is composed of one
(Monocarpellary) or more carpels (Multicarpellary).
Carpels (megasporophylls) may be free or united. When the carpels are free (as in Lotus and Rose)
then they are said to be apocarpous and when the carpels are fused (as in Mustard and Tomato) then
they are said to be syncarpous. A carpel has three parts namely – i) Ovary ii) Style iii) Stigma
i) Ovary: Ovary is the basal, swollen part of the carpel. The ovules are attached to a flattened cushion
like structure called placenta inside the ovary. The ovary has one or more chambers or locules.
ii) Style: The slender hollow or solid stalk like structure which connects between the stigma and the ovary
is called style. It lies above the ovary in a carpel.
iii)Stigma: It is the tip of the style. Stigma acts as the receptive organ for pollen grains during pollination.
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Morphology of Flowering Plants 112 GREEN PARK
The number of carpels is one to many in a flower.
a) Monocarpellary – Dolichos
b) Bicarpellary – Solanum, Helianthus
c) Tricarpellary – Gloriosa, Lilium
d) Tetracarpellary - Oenothera
e) Pentacarpellary – Hibiscus
f) Poly or muticarpellary – Michaelia, Rosa, Abutilon, Citrus
Placentation
Ovary bears ovules on a cushion like structure called placenta. An ovary may have one or more
placenta.
The arrangement of ovules on placenta within the ovary is known as placentation.
It is of five types.
Types of placentation
i) Marginal
ii) Axile
iii) Parietal
iv) Free central
v) Basal
i) Marginal: The placenta forms a ridge along the ventral suture of the ovary. The ovules are borne in
two rows along the ridge. Ex: Pea
ii) Axile: The placenta is formed at centre of the ovules due to fusion of septa. It is seen in bi or
Multilocular ovary. Ex: China Rose, Tomato, Lemon
iii) Parietal: The ovary is one chambered (unilocular) but become two chambered due to the formation
of the false septum called replum. The ovules develop on the inner wall of the ovary.
Ex: Mustard, Argemone.
iv) Free central: The ovules are borne on central axis and septa are absent in the ovary.
Ex: Primrose, Dianthus.
Basal placentation: The placenta develops at the base of the ovary. It has a single ovule attached to the
placenta. Ex: Sunflower, Marigold.

Marginal Axile Parietal Free central Basal

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 113 GREEN PARK

KNOWLEDGE BOOSTER
1 Largest Vegetative bud in the plant kingdom Cabbage
2 Largest simple leaf Victoria regia
3 Largest compound leaf Raphia taedigera
4 Smallest leaf Wolffia
5 Largest flower Rafflesia (1.5 – 2.0 meters in diameter)
6 Tallest inflorescence Amorphophallus (6 feet height) (NCERT)
7 Largest and heaviest fruit Gaint pumpkin (1, 054 Kg)
8 Smallest fruit Wolffia
9 Largest seed Lodoicea maldivica or double coconut
10 Smallest seed Orchid

THE FRUIT
The angiosperms are characterized by the presence of a fruit. After fertilization the ripened or mature
ovary is called fruit.
In most plants by the time the fruits develop from the ovary, other floral parts degenerate and fall off.
However in a few plants the thalamus (Apple, Strawberry) or the pedicel (Cashew) also contributes to
fruit formation. Such fruits are called false fruits or Pseudocarpic fruit.
Fruits that develop from the ovary after fertilization are called true fruits or eucarpic fruits.
Some plants produce fruits without fertilization. This condition is described as Parthenocarpy and fruits
so formed are known as parthenocarpic fruits. They do not have seeds.
True fruits are three types: I) Simple II) Aggregate III) Multiple or Composite.
I) Simple fruits
They develop from a monocarpellary or multicarpellary syncarpous ovary of the single flower.
Simple fruits are classified into Fleshy fruits and Dry fruits based on the nature of pericarp at maturity
A) Fleshy fruits or Succulent Fruits
Pericarp is fleshy at maturity and differentiated into epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp.
i) Drupe
Mostly one seeded fruits with stony endocarp. Ex: Mangifera indica, Cocos nucifera
Mangifera indica (Mango) – Epicarp forms skin, mesocarp – Fleshy, juicy and edible, endocarp is
hard and stony.
Cocos nucifera (coconut) – Endosperm is edible. Epicarp is leathery, mesocarp is fibrous and
endocarp is stony.
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ii) Berry
Berry develops from monocarpellary to multicarpellary, syncarpous inferior or superior ovary.
Epicarp forms the outer skin. These are one to many seeded fruits.
Middle thick and fleshy part is called mesocarp. Mesocarp and endocarp fused together and forms
pulp. Ex: Solanum, Tomato, Guava and Musa etc..
iii) Pepo
Pepo develops from tricarpellary, syncarpous, inferior, unilocular ovary. Epicarp and thalamus fuse
to form the outer rind.
Mesocarp, Endocarp and placenta are the edible parts of the fruit. It is a characteristic fruit of
Cucurbitaceae. Ex: Cucurbita maxima (Pumpkin), Cucumis sativa (Cucumber).
iv) Hesperidium
Hesperidium develops from a multicarpellary, multilocular, syncarpous, superior, ovary with seeds
on axile placentation.
Epicarp is thick, leathery and has oil glands. Mesocarp is fibrous.
Endocarp is thrown into chambers filled with juicy succulent hairs that form the edible part. It is a
characteristic fruit of family Rutaceae Ex: Citrus medica
v) Pome
Pome develops from bicarpellary to multicarpellary, syncarpous, inferior ovary with axile
placentation.
True fruit is surrounded by fleshy edible thalamus.
Pericarp is reduced and indistinguishable.
Endocarp is cartilaginous and encloses the seeds. Ex: Pyrus malus

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B) Dry fruits
These fruits have dry undifferentiated pericarp at maturity. These are classified based on the basis of
dehiscence of fruit.
They are of three types: 1) Dry indehiscent 2) Dry dehiscent 3) Schizocarpic
1) Dry indehiscent fruit: They do not split or burst. Seeds are liberated only by the decomposition
or destruction of pericarp. These are all one seeded.
Types of dry indehiscent fruits
i) Caryopsis: Develops from monocarpellary, unilocular superior ovary. Fruit wall or pericarp is
completely fused with seed coat Ex: Wheat, Maize, Rice (Poaceae).
ii) Cypsela: Develops from bicarpellary, unilocular and inferior ovary. Calyx is hair like and called Pappus
which helps in dispersal of fruits. Pericarp and seed coat are free from each other. Ex: Tridax
iii) Nut: Develops from bicarpellary to multicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary. Pericarp is hard and
stony. Ex: Anacardium
iv) Achene: These are single seeded fruits which develop from monocarpellary, unilocular, superior ovary.
In these fruits pericarp is free from the seed coat Ex: Clematis, Mirabilis, Straw berry

Caryopsis (Oryza) Cypsela (Tridax) Nut (Anacardium) Achene (Clematis)

2) Dry dehiscent fruits: Fruits which dehisce and release seeds. These are many seeded.
Types of dry dehiscent fruits
i) Legume (or) pod :
Dry fruit developing from a superior and monocarpellary, unilocular ovary.
Mature fruit dehisces by both sutures or margins from apex to base. Ex: Gram, Lentil, Pea.
ii) Follicle:
It develops from superior, unilocular, monocarpellary ovary.
Dehiscence occurs only from ventral suture. Ex: Vinca, Calotropis

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iii) Siliqua
This fruit develops from bicarpellary, syncarpous, unilocular, superior ovary and ovary has parietal
placentation.
Dehiscence occurs from both dorsal and ventral suture from base to apex.
Seeds are attached to Replum. Ex: Mustard (Brassicaceae).
iv) Silicula: Smaller siliqua is called silicula Ex: Capsella bursa pastoris
v) Capsule: Develops from bi or multicarpellary, syncarpous, superior or inferior ovary. Dehiscence occurs by
many methods. Eg : Cotton, Datura
3) Schizocarpic fruits:
These fruits show characters of both dehiscent and indehiscent fruits. Eg : Coriander, Castor
I) Aggregate fruits
Aggregate fruits are formed from multicarpellary, apocarpous gynoecium of a single flower.
Each carpel develops into a fruitlet and all fruitlets together form an aggregate fruit.
In aggregate fruits a group of fruitlets is called Etaerio.
Aggregate fruits are of the following types.
Ex: Nelumbo, Strawberry, Annona squamosa, Rubus, Michelia, Magnolia, Calotropis

Annona Polyalthia Sorosis (Jack fruit) Syconus (Ficus)

Aggregate Fruits Multiple or composite fruit

II) Multiple or composite fruits

The multiple fruit develops from the entire inflorescence. These fruits are of two types.
i) Sorosis: These fruits develop either from spike or spadix or catkin inflorescence.
Ex: Artocarpus (Jack), Ananas (pineapple) of Bromeliaceae, Mulberry.
ii) Syconus : This fruit develop from hypanthodium inflorescence. Ex: Ficus sps of Moraceae

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Chart of edible parts of some common fruits and their types
Common / English name Botanical Name Type Edible parts
I. Simple Fruits
Pea Pisum sativum Legume Seeds
Lady’s finger / Okra Abelmoschus Capsule Entire fruit
esculentus
Wheat Triticum aestivum Caryopsis Entire fruit
Corn / Maize Zea mays Caryopsis Entire fruit
Cashew nut Anacardium Nut Cotyledons
occidentale
Litchi Litchi chinensis Nut Aril
Water chestnut Trapa bispinosa Nut Seeds
Ground nut Arachis hypogea Lomentum Seeds
Coriander Coriandrum sativum Cremocarp Entire fruit
Mango Mangifera indica Drupe Fleshy mesocarp
Coconut Cocos nucifera Drupe Endosperm
Almond Prunus amygdalus Drupe Seeds
Walnut Juglans regia Drupe Cotyledons
Apple Pyrus malus Pome Fleshy thalamus
Pear Pyrus communis Pome Fleshy thalamus
Tomato Lycopersicon Berry Pericarp and placentae
esculentum
Grape Vitis vinifera Berry Pericarp and placentae
Date palm Phonenix dactylifera Berry Pericarp
Banana Musa paradisica Berry Mesocarp and endocarp
var.sapientum
Pericarp, placenta
Guava Psidium guajava Berry
thalamus and seeds
Betel nut Areca catechu Berry Stony endosperm
Mesocarp, endocarp and
Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria Pepo
Young seeds

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Common / English name Botanical Name Type Edible parts
Mesocarp, endocarp and
Cucumber Cucumis sativus Pepo
Young seeds
Pomegranate Punica granatum Balausta Succulent testa
II. Aggregate Fruits
Etaerio of
Strawberry Fragaria vesica Fleshy thalamus and seeds
achenes
Inner layer of pericarp
Custard apple Annona squamosa Etaerio of berries
and thalamus
III. Multiple or Composite Fruits
Succulent perianth and
Mulberry Morus alba and M. nigra Sorosis
fleshy axis
Fleshy axis, bracts, fused
Pineapple Ananas comosus Sorosis
perianth and pericarp
Jack fruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Sorosis Fleshy perianth and seeds
Fleshy receptacle or
Fig Ficus carica Syconus
thalamus
THE SEED
The ovules develop into seeds after fertilization. A seed is made up of embryo and seed coat.
The embryo is made up of an embryonal axis (Tigellum) and one (as in wheat, maize) or two cotyledons
(as in gram and pea)
Structure of dicotyledonous seed
i) Seed coat
Outer, protective covering of the seed is called seed coat, which develops from integuments of ovule.
The seed coat has two layers, the outer testa and the inner tegmen.
The hilum is a scar on the seed coat through which the developing seeds were attached to the fruit.
Above the hilum is a small pore called the micropyle.

Structure of dicotyledonous seed

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ii) Embryo
Embryo is the most important part of the seed. Embryo consists of an embryonal axis and two
cotyledons. The cotyledons are often fleshy and full of reserve food materials.
The polar ends of the embryonal axis are terminated by the radicle and the plumule.
iii) Endosperm
Plants such as Bean, Gram and Pea, the endosperm is not present in mature seeds and such seeds
are called non endospermic or exalbuminous seeds.
But in some seeds such as Castor it has a food storing tissue. These seeds are called endospermic
seeds or albuminous seeds.
Structure of monocotyledonous seed
In the seeds of cereals such as maize the seed coat is membranous and generally fused with the fruit wall.
It has two structures, endosperm and embryo.
The endosperm is bulky and stores food. So monocotyledonous seeds are endospermic but some as
in Orchids are non-endospermic.
The embryo is separated from endosperm by a proteinaceous layer called Aleurone Layer. An
embryo is situated in a groove at one end of
the seed.
It consists of one large and shield shaped
cotyledon known as scutellum and a short axis
with a plumule and radicle.
Plumule is enclosed in a sheath called
Coleoptile.
Radicle is enclosed by additional protective
sheath called Coleorhiza.
Structure of a monocotyledonous seed
Perispermic seed
Mostly nucellus is consumed after fertilization due to absorption of food by the endosperm and
embryo.
Sometimes, the nucellus remains persistent in the mature seed and is called perisperm. Such seeds
are called perispermic seeds. Ex: Piper nigrum (black pepper), Coffee.
Semi -Technical Description of a Typical Flowering Plant
Different characters of a family are the diagnostic features of that family.
These diagnostic features are mainly based on floral characters like sexuality, symmetry, position of
ovary with respect to floral whorls, bracts, conditions of calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium.
For a systematic study and quick comprehension of all the diagnostic features of a family, these
characters are symbolized and put in the form of a floral formula.
Floral diagrams are also drawn which give some extra information like placentation, position of the
mother axis, aestivation etc.,

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Symbols used in floral formula
1) Br : Bracteate flower
2) Ebr : Ebracteate flower
3) ⊕ : Actinomorphic flower
4) % : Zygomorphic flower

5) : Bisexual flower

6) ♂ : Unisexual ; male flower

7) ♀ : Unisexual ; female flower
8) K : Calyx
Kn : Polysepalous
K(n) : Gamosepalous
(Where n = Number of sepals)
9) Epi : Epicalyx (below sepals)
10) C : Corolla
Cn : Polypetalous
C(n) : Gamopetalous ⊕ K2+2C4 A2+4G(2)
Where n = Number of petals Floral diagram with floral
11) P : Perianth formula (Brassica)
12) A : Androecium
A∝ : Infinite stamens

: Epipetalous stamens

: Epitepalous or epiphyllous stamens

13) G : Gynoecium
G(n) : Syncarpous ovary
Gn : Apocarpous ovary
Gn : Superior ovary

Gn : Inferior ovary
Where n = Number of carpels

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 121 GREEN PARK
Floral diagram indicates
Sexuality of flower, symmetry of the flower
Aestivation of perianth parts. Number of floral parts in each whorl
Position of the floral parts
Cohesion and adhesion of floral parts
In the floral diagram the dot (.) represents the position of mother axis. It denotes the posterior side of
the flower.

Description of some important families

George Bentham J.D Hooker

classified flowering plants – Total 202 families

FAMILY BRASSICACEAE
Classification
Class : Dicotyledonae
Subclass : Polypetalae
Series : Thalamiflorae
Order : Brassicales
Family : Brassicaceae
Brassicaceae is also called as Mustard family.
Inflorescence corymb or corymbose – raceme.
Flowers tetramerous.
Cruciform corolla (cross shaped).
Tetradynamous condition. Two outer short and four inner long.
Bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary, unilocular but becomes bilocular due to false septum or
replum. Parietal placentation, stigma bifid.
Fruit is siliqua or silicula. Seed is non endospermic.

Floral formula :⊕ K2+2 C4 A2+4 G(2)

Examples : Radish, Turnip, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Mustard, Shepherd’s purse (Capsella)

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 122 GREEN PARK

FAMILY FABACEAE
Classification
Class : Dicotyledonae
Subclass : Polypetalae
Series : calyciflorae
Order : Rosales
Family : Fabaceae
Fabaceae is also called as Pea family or pulse family.
This includes major distinguishing features of the family with floral diagram and floral formula
Vegetative characters
Habit: Trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers
Root: Tap root system, roots with nodules, root nodules contain nitrogen fixing bacteria.
Stem: Erect or climber
Leaves: Alternate, rarely simple, generally pinnately compound, stipulate, leaf base pulvinate,
venation reticulate, leaves or leaflets modified into tendrils. Stipules are foliaceous in Lathyrus and
Pisum.
Floral characters:
Inflorescence: Racemose
Flower: Bisexual, zygomorphic, hypogynous, pentamerous.
Calyx:
sepals five, gamosepalous, valvate or imbricate aestivation, odd sepal anterior.
Corolla:
Petals five, polypetalous, papilionaceous (Butterfly shaped), consisting of a posterior standard petal
(vexillum), two lateral wing petals (alae), two anterior petals fused forming a keel (enclosing stamens
and pistil). Vexillary or descendingly imbricate aestivation.
Androecium:
Ten, diadelphous (9) + 1, tenth posterior stamen is free, anthers dithecous, introrse basifixed, anther
dehisces longitudinally. In Crotalaria and Arachis monoadelphous.
Gynoecium:
Ovary superior, monocarpellary, unilocular with many ovules, in one or two alternate rows on marginal
placentation. Single curved Style and stigma is simple.

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 123 GREEN PARK

Pisum sativum (pea) plant

a) Flowering twig b) Flower c) Petals d) Stamens e) L.S carpel f) Floral diagram
Pollination:
Entamophilous cross pollination, generally protandrous, piston mechanism. In Lathyrus and Pea self-
pollination occurs.
Fruit:
Legume or pod, indehiscent geocarpic fruit in Arachis (ground nut).
Seed: One to many, non-endospermic

Floral formula: % K(5) C1+2+(2) A(9)+1 G1

Economic importance:
1) Pulses : Gram, Arhar (Cajanus cajan or Pigeon Pea), Sem (Dolichos lab lab), Mung (green gram), Soyabean
2) Fodder : Trifolium, Sesbania
3) Edible oil : Soyabean, Groundnut
4) Dyes : Indigofera (Blue dye is obtained from leaves), Butea monosperma commonly
called as flame of the forest (Yellow dye from petals)
5) Fibres : Sunhemp
6) Ornamental : Lupin, Sweet Pea
7) Medicines : Muliathi (roots are used in cough and cold syrup)

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 124 GREEN PARK
FAMILY SOLANACEAE
Classification
Class : Dicotyledonae
Subclass : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Polymoniales
Family : Solanaceae
It is widely distributed in tropics, sub-tropics and temperate zones.
Vegetative characters
Habit Herbs, Shrubs, rarely small trees
Root Tap roots
Stem Herbaceous, rarely woody, aerial, erect, cylindrical, solid, branched or hollow hairy or
glabrous (smooth), underground stem in Potato (Solanum tuberosum). Bicollateral
vascular bundles are present in stem
Leaves Alternate, simple, rarely pinnately compound, exstipulate, adnate petiole, hairy, venation
Reticulate.
Floral characters
Inflorescence Solitary, terminal in Datura, Scorpioid cyme in Solanum,
Panicle in Tobacco.
Flower Bisexual, actinomorphic, hypogynous, pentamerous.
Calyx Sepals five, gamosepalous, persistant, valvate aestivation.
Corolla Petals five, united, valvate aestivation. Funnel shaped in Datura, Bell
shaped in Atropa, Rotate or wheel shaped – Solanum.
Androecium Stamens 5, epipetalous, anthers dithecous, introrse, basifixed, longitudinal
dehiscence
Gynoecium Bicarpellary, syncarpous, ovary superior with oblique septa, bilocular, placenta
swollen with many ovules, placentation axile. Ovaries arranged obliquely on
thalamus. Carpels move at an angle of 45o in clock wise direction. Posterior carpel
turns on right side and anterior carpel turns on left side

Solanum nigrum (makoi) plant

a) Flowering twig b) Flower c) L.S flower d) Stamens e) carpel f) Floral diagram

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 125 GREEN PARK
Pollination Entamophilous, generally protandry, protogyny in Solanum.
Fruit A many seeded berry (Tomato, Brinjal) or capsule (Datura)
Seed many endospermous
Floral formula

Economic importance
Vegetables Potato, Tomato, Brinjal
Spices Chilli
Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum. It is a fumigatory plant.
Medicine Atropa belladona (Atropine alkaloids is obtained from the roots. Atropine is used to
dilate the pupil of the eye). Ashwagandha (Roots are used as nerve tonic and
leaves used in treating fever)

DO YOU KNOW
Digitalis purpurea – produces digoxin, used to treat heart failure
Hevea brasiliensis – rubber plant
Cissus quadrangularis – used to treat bone fractures
Lowsonia inermes – source of dye henna.

FAMILY LILIACEAE
Classification
Class : Monocotyledonae
Series : Coronarieae
Family : Liliaceae
It is commonly called ‘The Lily family’.
The plants belonging to this family are monocotyledonous plants. They are widely distributed
throughout the world.
Vegetative characters
Habit Perennial herbs with underground bulbs, corms, rhizomes
Root Adventitious, fibrous, fasciculated roots in Asparagus.
Stem Aerial or underground, herbaceous or woody, Arborescent (Tree like) – Yucca,
Dracaena-anomalous secondary growth is seen.
Leaves Mostly radical, alternate, linear, exstipulate with parallel venation. Exceptionally
reticulate venation in Smilax.
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Morphology of Flowering Plants 126 GREEN PARK
Floral characters
Inflorescence Solitary, flower umbellate (Allium). Panicle in Yucca, Dracaena. Inflorescence
develops on special aerial part called scape in Allium, Lilium.
Flower Bisexual, actinomorphic, trimerous, hypogynous. Flower in Ruscus and Smilax are
unisexual and incomplete.
Perianth Tepals six (3+3) united into tube, valvate aestivation. Odd tepal of outer whorl is
anterior . odd tepal of inner whorl is posterior.
Androecium Stamen six 3+3, epitepalous, Anthers dithecous, introrse, basifixed, longitudinal
dehiscence.
Gynoecium Tricarpellary, syncarpous, ovary superior, trilocular with many ovules on axile
placentation.
Fruit Capsule, rarely berry (Asparagus).
Seed Endospermic.
Floral formula

Economic importance
Food Young shoots and root tubers of Asparagus species are cooked. Onion is
vegetable. Garlic is a spice.
Medicine Aloe is a source of medicine.
Ornamentals Gloriosa and Tulip.
Colchicine Colchicum yields colchicine from corms, it is used to induce polyploidy in plants.

Allium cepa (onion) plant

a) Plant b) Inflorescence c) Flower d) Floral diagram

DO YOU KNOW
Largest angiosperm dicot family - Asteraceae
Distinguishing characters of Asteraceae and Malvaceae
Asteraceae :
1) Head 2) Cypsela fruit 3) Pappus 4) Syngeneceous condition
Malvaceae :
1) Alternate phyllotaxy 2) Epicalyx
3) Monadelphous stamens 4) Monothecous anthers

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 127 GREEN PARK
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
LEVEL- I
1. The shape of the Radish is 12. The origin of root hairs and lateral roots
1) fusiform 2) Napiform are respectively
3) Conical 4) Tuberous 1) Exogenous and endogenous
2. Roots associated with nitrogen fixing 2) Endogenous and exogenous
bacteria are 3) Both endogenously
1) Fusiform root 2) Napiform root 4) Both exogenously
3) Nodular root 4) Conical root
13. Which of the following is not an example of
3. The edible part of turnip is
corm?
1) modified adventitious roots
1) Colocasia 2) Amorphophallus
2) modified tap root
3) Crocus 4) Ginger
3) stem
4) underground stem 14. In some plants, the stem grows into the soil
4. The modified root that does not store food? contrary to its normal aerial habit, such
1) Napiform Root 2) Fusiform root plants show underground stem modifications
3) Tuberous root 4) Stilt root 1) to store food materials
5. Lateral branches of stem are 2) to tide over conditions unfavourable for
1) endogenous in origin growth
2) exogenous in origin 3) to help in vegetative propagation
3) developed from axillary buds 4) all of these
4) both (1) and (3) 15. In which of the following plants the stem
6. Rhizome of ginger is a modification of stem performs the dual function of food – storage
because and vegetative propagation?
1) It bears adventitious roots 1) Groundnut 2) Ginger
2) It bears nodes and internodes
3) Maize 4) Radish
3) It is underground.
16. Cladodes are
4) 1and 2
1) the vegetative buds that are modified for
7. The expanded part of leaf
1) leaf base 2) petiole storage of food materials
3) Lamina 4) All 2) the fleshy cylindrical stem modified to
8. In onion the swollen underground structure is carry out photosynthesis
1) Root 2) Bulb 3) the adventitious roots and help in
3) Rhizome 4) Tuber vegetative propagation
9. Stem modified into leaf like structure and 4) the branches of limited growth that are
leaves are changed into spines in modified to perform photosynthesis
1) Phyllode 2) Tuber 17. Pick out a plant with stem tendril
3) Phylloclade 4) All the above 1) Bougainvillea 2) Cucurbits
10. A modification of leaf is 3) Opuntia 4) Zizyphus
1) Phyllode 2) Phylloclade 18. The modified underground stem that used
3) Cladode 4) Corm as vegetable
11. Haustorial roots are present in
1) Potato 2) Radish
1) Zea mays 2) Cactus
3) Turnip 4) Sweet potato
3) Cuscuta 4) Monotropa
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Morphology of Flowering Plants 128 GREEN PARK
19. Stems of Opuntia and Euphorbia are 26. Identify the type of inflorescence shown in the
modified for figure and select the correct option for A and B
1) Photosynthesis
2) Assimilation and reproduction
3) Climbing and breathing
4) Storage of food
20. Select the incorrect pair;
1) Alternate phyllotaxy - Sunflower
2) Opposite phyllotaxy - Calotropis
3) Whorled phyllotaxy - Guava A B
4) Reticulate venation - Smilax 1) Cymose Racemose
21. In some ________, the leaf base may 2) Racemose Cymose
become swollen and is called _______. 3) Racemose Racemose
1) monocots, sheathing of leaf base 4) Cymose Cymose
2) legumes, pulvinus 27. Which type of inflorescence is found in
3) legumes, sheathing leaf base banana?
4) monocots, pulvinus 1) Catkin 2) Corymb
22. Identify a mismatch given below 3) Compound spadix 4) Capitulum
1) Simple palmately lobed leaves – Gossypium 28. The fruit of Annona squamosa (custard
2) Opposite phyllotaxy – Psidium apple) develops from
3) Pulvinous leaf base – Sesbania 1) Multicarpellary apocarpous gynoecium
4) Parallel venation – Smilax 2) Polycarpellary, syncarpous ovary and thalamus
23. Which of the following is a false fruit? 3) Single ovary
1) Pome 2) Berry 4) Polycarpellary, syncarpous ovary
3) Hesperidium 4) Drupe 29. If gynoecium is present in the top most
24. A monocot with non-endospermic seeds is position of the thalamus, the flower is
1) Lilium 2) Asparagus referred to as
3) Orchid 4) All 1) hypogynous 2) perigynous
25. Bicarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium with
3) epigynous 4) All of the above
axile placentation is found in the flowers of 30. An example of axile placentation
1) Solanaceae 2) Fabaceae 1) Lemon 2) Dianthus
3) Marigold 4) Argemone
3) Poaceae 4) Liliaceae

LEVEL- I ANSWER KEY

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

1 3 2 4 4 4 3 2 3 1 3 1
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.
4 4 2 4 2 1 1 3 2 4 1 3
25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
1 2 3 1 1 1

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 129 GREEN PARK
LEVEL- II
Statement questions: 9. Statement-I: Leaves show basipetal
1) Statement I and II are correct arrangement on plant.
2) Statement I and II are incorrect Statement-II: Leaves arise from shoot apical
3) Statement I is correct and II is incorrect meristem.
4) Statement I is incorrect and II is correct 10. Statement-I: In mustard, leaves are
1. Statement-I: Prop roots are rope like showing compound.
oblique growth. Statement-II: In mustard, leaf lamina shows
Statement-II: Prop roots are adventitious incisions up to midrib, but do not touch
roots for extra-support and assimilation. midrib.
2. Statement-I: In Smilax, stipule modified into 11. Statement-I: In Australian acacia the leaflets
tendril & helps in climbing. are short lived.
Statement-II: Parallel venation is found in Statement-II: To minimize transpiration,
this plant. leaflets shed off and petiole expands and
3. Statement-I: Nucellus remains persistent in becomes leaf like
the seeds of black pepper. 12. Statement-I: Racemose inflorescence shows
Statement-II: It is haploid parenchymatous unlimited growth.
tissue. Statement-II: In Racemose inflorescence
4. Statement-I: Epiphyllous buds with roots flowers arranged in acropetal manner.
arise from the margins of leaf lamina. 13. Statement-I: Flower is the reproductive unit
Statement-II: Epiphyllous buds with roots in the angiosperms.
help in vegetative reproduction. Statement-II: It carries sex organs of plant.
5. Statement-I: Root hairs arise only in 14. Statement-I: In Pea, flowers are
maturation region. zygomorphic.
Statement-II: Root hairs absorb water and Statement-II: Pea flowers can be cut in two
minerals from soil. equal halves through any radial plane passing
6. Statement-I: Stems of Maize and Sugarcane through the centre.
have supporting roots 15. Statement-I: Flowers in cymose inflorescence
Statement-II: Tap root system of Maize and are arranged in acropetal manner.
Sugarcane cannot anchor their large sized Statement-II: Flowers in cymose
stem. inflorescence open in centrifugal manner.
7. Statement-I: In some xerophytic plants stem 16. Statement-I: Papilionaceous corolla in
becomes green, flat, leaf like and leaves are Fabaceae members helps in Piston mechanism
modified into phylloclade.. of pollination.
Statement-II: In Xerophytic areas rate of Statement-II: Fabaceae members have their
transpiration is high. So plants develop odd petal towards the posterior side.
various adaptations to minimize transpiration. 17. Statement-I: In the stem of solanaceae,
8. Statement-I: Underground stem helps in bicollateral vascular bundles are present.
sexual reproduction. Statement-II: Xylem is sandwitched between
Statement-II: Underground stem can two phloem units in each vascular bundle with
overcome adverse environmental condition. cambia in between.

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 130 GREEN PARK
18. The floral formula of the plants belonging 1) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
to the family Fabaceae is 2) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
3) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
1) O K (5) C(2) + 2 + 1 A1+(9) G(2) 4) A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
+
23. Choose the following.
2) List – I List - II
A) Nepenthes v) bladder wort
3) B) Drosera x) venus fly trap
% O K(5) C1 + 2 + (2) A(9)+1 G1
+ C) Dionaea y) sundew
4) D) Utricularia z) pitcher plant
1) A – z, B – y, C – x, D – v
19. Match the following ; 2) A – z, B – y, C – v, D – x
Column I Column II 3) A – y, B – z, C – x, D – v
A Cuscuta I Hygroscopic 4) A – v, B – x, C – z, D – y
24. Match the following and identify the
root
correct answer
B Rhizophora II Stilt root
List I List II
C Vanda III Haustorial root 1) Polyadelphous I) Canna
D Pandanus IV Respiratory root 2) Asymmetric flower II) Alstonia
1) A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II 3) Free central placentation III) Hibiscus
2) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II 4) Whorled phyllotaxy IV) Dianthus
3) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II V) Citrus
4) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III A B C D
1) II I IV V
20. Select a correct set.
2) IV I V II
Plant Organ Function 3) II I III V
1) Vanda Tap root Moisture 4) V I IV II
absorption 25. Select the mismatched pair from the
following
2) Jasmine Offset Photosynthesis
1) Syconus Ficus carica (fig)
3) Pineapple Sucker Propagation
Ananas comosus
4) Nepenthes Leaf tip Photosynthesis 2) Sorosis
(pine apple)
21. Find incorrect matching: Mangifera indica
3) Pome
1) Pome – Fleshy thalamus (Mango)
2) Schizocarp – Mericarp Parthenocarpic Musa paradisiaca
4)
fruit (Banana)
3) Balausta – Aril
26. Read the following combinations.
4) Syconus – Hypanthodium
22. Match the following:
Family Symmetry Petals
(i) Solanaceae Zygomorphic 5,
Column I Column II
polypetalous
A Parallel venation I Acacia
(ii) Fabaceae Zygomorphic 5 / 1+2+(2),
B Reticulate venation II Palm polypetalous
C Bipinnate III Smilax (iii) Brassicaceae Actinomorphic 4,
D Palmate compound IV Citrus polypetalous
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Morphology of Flowering Plants 131 GREEN PARK
Which of these are correct? 29. Balancing roots, root pockets, swollen
1) (i) and (ii) 2) (ii) and (iii) petiole, and spongy stem, are the characters
3) (i) and (iii) 4) All are correct belongs to
27. The four whorls of a flower are arranged 1) Pistia 2) Eichhornia
on the 3) Agave 4) Oxalis
1) Petiole 2) Corolla 30. How many plants in the list given have
3) Stamens 4) Thalamus composite fruits that develop from an
28. In root, cells of region of elongation inflorescence, walnut, poppy, radish, fig,
A) protect the tender apex of the root pineapple, apple, tomato, berry.
B) are very small, thin walled, with dense 1) Four 2) Five
protoplasm and divide rapidly 3) Two 4) Three
C) undergo rapid elongation and enlargement 31. Tulip, Tomato, Gloriosa, Wheat, Maize,
D) responsible for growth of the root in Brassica, Belladona, Aloe, Capsella,
length. Tobacco, Petunia, Pea, Asparagus, Papaver,
E) form very fine and delicate thread like China rose, Rice, Allium and Cucurbits.
structures called root hairs Single cotyledon “Scutellum” is found in
Find the correct option seeds of how many families, whose
1) A, B and D only 2) B, C and E only representatives are given above.
3) C and D only 4) B and E only 1) 8 2) 6
3) 2 4) 4

LEVEL- II ANSWER KEY

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
2 3 3 1 1 3 4 4 4 4 1 1

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.
1 3 4 1 1 3 2 3 3 1 1 4

25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.

3 2 4 3 2 3 3

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 132 GREEN PARK
LEVEL- III
1. A dicot plant showing parallel venation is 11. Inflorescence and fruit of sunflower is
1) Dioscorea 2) Caulophyllum 1) Capitulum and achene
3) Cotton 4) Mango 2) Corymb and cypsela
2. In cyathium the ratio between female to 3) Capitulum and cypsela
male flower is 4) Corymb and achene
1) one : one 2) one : many 12. Pneumatophores are found in
1) The vegetation which is found in marshy
3) many : one 4) many : many
and saline soils
3. A biparous cyme ending in uniparous cyme
2) The vegetation which is found in saline
consitutes
soil only
1) Verticillaster 2) Panicle 3) Xerophytes
3) Hypanthodium 4) Cyathium 4) Epiphytes
4. Inflorescence in which many pedicellate 13. Bicarpellary gynoecium and oblique ovary
flowers arising to form a umbrella like occurs in
structure is 1) Mustard 2) Banana
1) Umbel 2) Simple cyme 3) Pisum 4) Brinjal
3) Capitulum 4) Verticillaster 14. Which one of the following plants produce
5. The largest leaf belongs to edible root?
1) Nerium 2) Tobacco 1) Raphanus sativus 2) Brassica campestris
3) Victoria 4) Rafflesia 3) Brassica oleracea 4) Solanum tuberosum
6. The tissue which attaches the ovules inside 15. Geocarpic fruit is
1) Potato 2) Peanut
the ovary is
3) Onion 4) Garlic
1) Funicle 2) Hilum
16. Pineapple (Ananas) fruit develops from
3) Placenta 4) Chalaza
1) a unilocular polycarpellary flower
7. Pappus is modification of 2) a multipistillate syncarpous flower
1) Bracts 2) Corolla 3) a cluster of compactly borne flowers on
3) Calyx 4) All common axis
8. Synandrous condition is fusion of 4) a multilocular monocarpellary flower
1) Filaments only 17. The fruit is chambered, developed from
2) Both filaments and anthers inferior ovary and has seeds with succulent
3) Anthers only testa in
4) Petals 1) Guava 2) Cucumber
9. Cross form corolla is found in 3) Pomegranate 4) Orange
1) Leguminosae 2) Malvaceae 18. The “Eyes” of the potato tuber are
3) Cruciferae 4) Compositae 1) Root buds 2) Flower buds
10. The side of a flower facing the mother axis 3) Shoot buds 4) Axillary buds
19. Replum is the characteristic feature of the
is called
ovary of
1) Anterior side 2) Posterior side
1) Asteraceae 2) Brassicaceae
3) Dorsal side 4) Ventral side
3) Malvaceae 4) Liliaceae
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Morphology of Flowering Plants 133 GREEN PARK
20. Spongy type breathing roots are present in 26. Didynamous (2 long, 2 short stamens)
1) Avicennia 2) Rhizopora condition is seen in
3) Jussiea 4) Tinospora 1) Tulasi (Ocimum) 2) Litchi and Pea
21. Root bulbils are present in 3) Mustard and Onion 4) Datura and Mango
1) Ananas 2) Agave 27. Tetradynamous (2+4) condition is seen or
3) Oxalis 4) Dioscorea characteristic feature of which family
22. Which roots are modified adventitious roots 1) Brassicaceae 2) Fabaceae
helpful in maintaining level of underground 3) Labiatae or Lamiaceae 4) Anacardiaceae
stems inside the soil? 28. How many of the following contain
1) Contractile roots 2) Pull roots zygomorphic flowers?
3) Stolons 4) 1 & 2 correct Pea, Gulmohar, Bean, Cassia, Mustard,
Datura, Chilli, Sesbania, Lupin, Muliathi.
23. Dimorphic roots are present in
1) 6 2) 7
A) Gram B) Mango
3) 4 4) 8
C) Maize D) Sugar cane
29. Select the pair that contains
1) A, B correct 2) B, C correct
monocotyledonous families.
3) C, D correct 4) All are correct
1) Solanaceae and Brassicaceae
24. Ginger and Equisetum are 2) Fabaceae and Asteraceae
1) Similar in having extremely reduced 3) Liliaceae and Poaceae
gametophytic stage 4) Solanaceae and Liliaceae
2) Dissimilar in having chlorenchyma in their 30. Read the names of following plants
life cycle
i) Gloriosa ii) Aloe barbadensis
3) Similar in having rhizome
iii) Atropa belladona iv) Colchicum autumnale
4) Dissimilar in having temperature resistant
enzymes v) Asparagus vi) Withania somnifera
25. Leaf apex is modified as spine in Which of these belongs to the family Liliaceae?
1) Agave 2) Yucca 1) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) 2) (i), (ii), (iv), (v)
3) Aloe 4) All of the above 3) (i), (ii), (v), (vi) 4) (ii), (iv), (v), (vi)

LEVEL- III ANSWER KEY

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
2 2 1 1 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 1

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.
4 1 2 3 3 4 2 3 3 4 3 3

25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

4 1 1 2 3 2

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Morphology of Flowering Plants 134 GREEN PARK
LEVEL- IV
1. Identify the correct option. 1) A-Imbricate, B-Quinconcial C-Valvate,
A) B) C) D-Twisted, E- Vexillary
2) A- Vexillary, B-Valvate, C-Twisted,
D-Imbricate, E-Quinconcial
D) 3) A-Quinconcial, B-Twisted, C-Vexillary
D-Imbricate, E-Valvate,
4) A-Valvate, B-Twisted, C-Imbricate,
1) A, D are compound while B, C are simple D-Quinconcial, E- Vexillary
leaves 6. Statement I : Caryopsis fruits differ from
2) A, D are simple while B, C are compound typical achenes with respect to the fusion of
leaves pericarp with the seed coat (testa).
3) A, B are simple while C, D are compound Statement II : Caryopsis fruits commonly
leaves occur in the members of family poaceae.
4) A, B are compound while C, D are simple 1) Statement I and II are incorrect
leaves 2) Statement I and II are correct
2. Leaf tendrils are found in 3) Statement I is correct and II is incorrect
1) grape vine 2) peas 4) Statement I is incorrect and II is correct
3) cucumber 4) all 7. Which one of the following option is not
3. A plant has a butterfly shaped flower with correctly matched?
one standard, two wing like and two keel 1) Cymose - Acacia
petals. To which family these plants 2) Hypanthodium - Banyan
belong? 3) Cyathium - Euphorbia
1) Malvaceae 4) Verticillaster – Calotropis
2) Papilionaceae 8. Statement-I : In syconus fruit, the achenes
3) Rubiaceae formed are fewer than the total number of
4) Compositae flowers in the inflorescence.
4. Which of the following plants are used to Statement-II: Upper and middle flowers
treat bone fractures? cannot develop into fruits.
1) Digitalis purpurea 1) Statement I and II are correct
2) Hevea brasiliensis 2) Statement I and II are incorrect
3) Cissus quadrangularis 3) Statement I is correct and II is incorrect
4) Lowsonia inermes 4) Statement I is incorrect and II is correct
5. Arrange in correct order from the given 9. Identify the types of root given in the figure
figures from the given options.
A B C D E

A B C

GREEN PARK, NAMAKKAL DIST, TAMILNADU BOTANY VOLUME I

Morphology of Flowering Plants 135 GREEN PARK
1) A-Fusiform – Radish, B- Napiform – 16. Cotyledons and testa are edible parts of
Turmeric, C- Tuberous – Sweet potato 1) Ground nut and Pomegranate
2) A-Conical - Turnip, B- Nodulated – Sweet 2) Walnut and Tamarind
potato, C- Tuberous – Curcuma amada 3) French bean and coconut
3) A- Conical – Carrot, B- Tuberous – Sweet 4) Cashew nut and litchi
potato, C- Fasciculated – Dahlia 17. Study the following statements and select
4) A- Napiform- Carrot, B- Nodulated – the option with correct statements.
Tamarind C-Tuberous -Turmeric I. Pulvinous leaf base is present in some
10. Inflorescence of which one of the following
leguminous plants.
sets completely develop into composite II. In Eichhornia the petioles expand becomes
fruits?
green and synthesise food.
1) Spike, Corymb, Hypanthodium
III. Opposite phyllotaxy is seen in Guava.
2) Spike, Female catkin, hypanthodium
1) I and II 2) I and III
3) Umbel, Catkin, Spadix.
3) II and III 4) I, II and III
4) Female catkin, corymb, Spike
18. Which one of the following pair is not
11. Statement-I : Helianthus flower is not a real
flower. correctly matched?
Statement-II: Because they are lacking the 1) Almond – Drupe 2) Brinjal - Berry
true calyx around the flower. 3) Guava – Pepo 4) Apple - Pome
1) Statement I and II are correct 19. Vegetative propagation in Bryophyllum
2) Statement I and II are incorrect takes place through
3) Statement I is correct and II is incorrect 1) bulbil 2) corms
4) Statement I is incorrect and II is correct 3) leaf buds 4) eyes
12. The small projections present on the 20. Pappus helps in dispersal of seeds in
surface of pine apple fruit represent. 1) Asteraceae 2) Brassicaceae
1) Persistent styles 2) Persistent stamens 3) Malvaceae 4) Solanaceae
3) Persistent calyx 4) Persistent bracts 21. Which one of the following is not a flower?
13. Cladode is a characteristic morphological 1) Shoe flower 2) Sunflower
feature of 3) Larkspur 4) Water lily
1) Asparagus and Ruscus 22. Three floral diagrams are given here. Their
2) Casuarina and opuntia respective families are assigned is the
3) Cladophora and cactus answer key. Find out the families to which
4) Citrus and Euphorbia these diagrams belong to
14. Which one contain most reduced form of
stem?
1) Bulb 2) Rhizome
3) Tuber 4) Twiner
15. Which one is a source of commercially
important product Syzygium aromaticum?
1) Flower bud 2) Axillary bud
3) Thalamas 4) Peduncle

GREEN PARK, NAMAKKAL DIST, TAMILNADU BOTANY VOLUME I

Morphology of Flowering Plants 136 GREEN PARK
1) Submerged hydrophytes
2) Halophytes
3) Carnivorous plants
4) Free-floating hydrophytes
1) A- Liliaceae, B-Asteraceae, C- Solanaceae
28. Sweet potato is a modified [NEET 2018]
2) A- Asteraceae, B- Solanaceae,
1) Rhizome 2) Stem
C-Brassicaceae
3) Tap root 4) Adventitious Root
3) A- Asteraceae, B- Solanaceae, C- Poaceae
4) A- Poaceae, B- Solanaceae, C- Asteraceae 29. Plants which produce characteristic
23. Match the following with correct pneumatophores and show vivipary belong to
combination: [NEET 2017]
1) Hydrophytes 2) Mesophytes
Column I Column II
3) Halophytes 4) Psammophytes
A Cuscuta 1 Saprophyte 30. Coconut fruit is a [NEET 2017]
B Eichhornia 2 Pneumatophore 1) Capsule 2) Drupe
C Monotropa 3 Insectivorous plant 3) Berry 4) Nut
31. Root hairs develop from the region of
D Rhizophora 4 Parasite
[NEET 2017]
E Utricularia 5 Root pocket 1) Meristematic activity 2) Maturation
Codes: 3) Elongation 4) Root cap
1) A-3, B-1 C-5, D-4, E-2 32. In Bougainvillea thorns are the
2) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-5, E-4 modifications of [NEET 2017]
3) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-5, E-2 1) Leaf 2) Stipules
4) A-4, B-5, C-1, D-2, E-3 3) Adventitious root 4) Stem
24. The structures present in the roots to 33. The term ‘polyadelphous’ is related to
absorb water and minerals is [NEET (Phase-2) 2016]
1) epidermal extensions 1) Gynoecium 2) Androecium
2) hypodermis 3) Corolla 4) Calyx
3) endodermis
34. How many plants among Indigofera,
4) epidermal appendages
Sesbania, Salvia, Allium, Aloe, mustard,
25. Lady’s finger belongs to family
groundnut, radish, gram and turnip have
1) Malvaceae 2) Cucurbitaceae
stamens with different lengths in their
3) Brassicaceae 4) Liliaceae
flowers? [NEET-(Phase-2) 2016]
26. Placentation, in which ovules develop on the
1) Three 2) Four
inner wall of the ovary or in peripheral
3) Five 4) Six
part, is [NEET 2019]
35. Radial symmetry is found in the flowers of
1) Parietal 2) Free central
[NEET (Phase -2) 2016]
3) Basal 4) Axile
1) Brassica 2) Trifolium
27. Pneumatophores occur in [NEET 2018]
3) Pisum 4) Cassia

GREEN PARK, NAMAKKAL DIST, TAMILNADU BOTANY VOLUME I

Morphology of Flowering Plants 137 GREEN PARK
36. Free-central placentation is found in 1) Scales 2) Cladodes
[NEET (Phase -2) 2016] 3) Phyllodes 4) Phylloclades
1) Dianthus 2) Argemone 42. The standard petal of a papilionaceous
3) Brassica 4) Citrus corolla is also called [NEET -2016]
37. Match Column – I with Column – II and 1) Corona 2) Carina
select the correct option using the codes 3) Pappus 4) Vexillum
given below. [NEET (Phase -2) 2016] 43. Among china rose, mustard, brinjal, potato,
Column – I Column - II guava, cucumber, onion and tulip, how
many plants have superior ovary?
a) Pistils fused (i) Gametogenesis
[Re - AIPMT-2015]
together
1) Four 2) Five
b) Formation of (ii) Pistillate 3) Six 4) Three
gametes
44. Flowers are unisexual in [Re-AIPMT-2015]
c) Hyphae of higher (iii) Syncarpous 1) Onion 2) Pea
Ascomycetes 3) Cucumber 4) China rose
d) Unisexual female (iv) Dikaryotic 45. Leaves become modified into spines in
[AIPMT-2015]
Codes :
1) a(iv), b(iii), c(i), d(ii) 1) Silk Cotton 2) Opuntia
2) a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii) 3) Pea 4) Onion
3) a(i), b(ii), c(iv), d(iii) 46. Keel is the characteristic feature of flower
4) a(iii), b(i), c(iv), d(ii) of [AIPMT-2015]
38. Cotyledon of maize grain is called 1) Tomato 2) Tulip
[NEET-2016] 3) Indigofera 4) Aloe
1) Scutellum 2) Plumule 47. Perigynous flowers are found in
3) Coleorhiza 4) Coleoptile [AIPMT-2015]
39. Tricarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium is 1) Rose 2) Guava
found in flowers of [NEET -2016] 3) Cucumber 4) China rose
1) Poaceae 2) Liliaceae 48. ⊕ K(5) C(5)A(5)G(2) is the floral formula of
3) Solanaceae 4) Fabaceae [AIPMT-2015]
40. Which of the following is not a stem 1) Brassica 2) Allium
modification? [NEET -2016] 3) Sesbania 4) Petunia
1) Flattened structures of Opuntia 49. Which one of the following statements is
2) Pitcher of Nepenthes correct? [AIPMT-2014]
3) Thorns of citrus
1) The seed in grasses is not endospermic
4) Tendrils of cucumber
2) Mango is a parthenocarpic fruit
41. Stems modified into flat green organs 3) A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present
performing the functions of leaves are in maize grain
known as [NEET -2016] 4) A sterile pistil is called a staminode
GREEN PARK, NAMAKKAL DIST, TAMILNADU BOTANY VOLUME I
Morphology of Flowering Plants 138 GREEN PARK
50. An example of edible underground stem is 53. An aggregate fruit is one which develops
[AIPMT-2014] from [AIPMT-2014]
1) Carrot 2) Groundnut 1) Multicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium
3) Sweet potato 4) Potato 2) Multicarpellary apocarpous gynoecium
51. Placenta and pericarp are both edible 3) Complete inflorescence
portions in [AIPMT-2014] 4) Multicarpellary superior ovary
54. Non-albuminous seed is produced in
1) Apple 2) Banana
3) Tomato 4) Potato [AIPMT-2014]
1) Maize 2) Castor
52. When the margins of sepals or petals
3) Wheat 4) Pea
overlap one another without any particular
direction, the condition is termed as
[AIPMT-2014]
1) Vexillary 2) Imbricate
3) Twisted 4) Valvate

LEVEL- IV ANSWER KEY

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

2 2 2 3 4 2 4 1 3 2 3 4

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

1 1 1 1 2 3 3 1 2 2 4 1

25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.

1 1 2 4 3 2 2 4 2 2 1 1

37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.

4 1 2 2 4 4 3 3 2 3 1 4

49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54.

3 4 3 2 2 4

GREEN PARK, NAMAKKAL DIST, TAMILNADU BOTANY VOLUME I