Floral Formula
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
A floral formula is a system of representing the structure of a flower using specific letters, numbers, and symbols.
A floral formula is a written shorthand used to represent the structure of a flower using the standard set of symbols shown at the right. The four major floral parts are always shown in the same order; sepals (CA), petals (CO), stamens (A), and carpels (G). The number of each part in the flower is indicated with a superscript number after the letters.
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COMPONENTS AND SYMBOLS OF FLORAL FORMULA
CaX = Calyx (sepal whorl) X = number of sepals (e.g. Ca5 = 5 sepals)
CoX = Corolla (petal whorl) X = number of petals (e.g., Co3(x) = petals some multiple of three )
Z = add if Zygomorphic (e.g., CoZ6 = zygomorphic with 6 petals)
AX = Androecium (whorl of stamens) X = number of stamens (e.g., A∞ = many stamens)
GX = Gynoecium (ovary bearing carpels) X = number of carpels: if one, termed 'monocarpous', if two or more and free or distinct, termed 'apocarpous', if two or more and fused, termed 'syncarpous' or connate. (e.g., G1 = monocarpous)
OTHERS:
CaCo= perianth; if sepals and petals are alike termed 'tepals'; = adnate, or fusion of two different floral whorls; = 'hypanthium' when all whorls are present. Especially frequent in the Rosidae. The floral whorls are perigynous to the gynoecium, which is still considered superior to them.
X = represent a "variable number".
∞ = represent "many".
X - X= variation in number in that family.
X = X= Like floral parts in two whorls.
* = staminode; a sterile stamen.
CoX = Corolla (petal whorl) X = number of petals (e.g., Co3(x) = petals some multiple of three )
Z = add if Zygomorphic (e.g., CoZ6 = zygomorphic with 6 petals)
AX = Androecium (whorl of stamens) X = number of stamens (e.g., A∞ = many stamens)
GX = Gynoecium (ovary bearing carpels) X = number of carpels: if one, termed 'monocarpous', if two or more and free or distinct, termed 'apocarpous', if two or more and fused, termed 'syncarpous' or connate. (e.g., G1 = monocarpous)
OTHERS:
CaCo= perianth; if sepals and petals are alike termed 'tepals'; = adnate, or fusion of two different floral whorls; = 'hypanthium' when all whorls are present. Especially frequent in the Rosidae. The floral whorls are perigynous to the gynoecium, which is still considered superior to them.
X = represent a "variable number".
∞ = represent "many".
X - X= variation in number in that family.
X = X= Like floral parts in two whorls.
* = staminode; a sterile stamen.
= fully fused or connate, especially in reference to the carpels of the gynoecium. If carpel # has no fusion symbol, carpels are free and distinct.
= Male unisexual flower. = Female unisexual flower. = hermaphrodite bisexual flowers = ovary inferior to insertion point of the other whorls. The floral whorls are epigynous to the gynoecium. = ovary superior to insertion point of other floral whorls. The floral whorls are hypogenous to the gynoecium. = ovary inferior to superior - variation exists. |
EXAMPLE: HIBISCUS ROSA-SINESIS FLORAL FORMULA
Ca(5+6)Co5(A∞G(5)
Want to learn more and in a funnier way? Then try this pages!
In the first link you can study, the other 2 are games from what you had learnt.
- http://quizlet.com/2077573/flower-formula-flash-cards/
- http://quizlet.com/2077573/scatter/
- http://quizlet.com/2077573/spacerace/
Want to learn more and in a funnier way? Then try this pages!
In the first link you can study, the other 2 are games from what you had learnt.
- http://quizlet.com/2077573/flower-formula-flash-cards/
- http://quizlet.com/2077573/scatter/
- http://quizlet.com/2077573/spacerace/