Summary & Tables: Morphology of Flowering Plants
Classification of Root Systems
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| Root Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tap Root System | Primary root grows directly from the radicle and persists. Bears secondary and tertiary roots. Common in dicots. | Mustard |
| Fibrous Root System | Primary root is short-lived; replaced by many roots originating from the base of the stem. Common in monocots. | Wheat |
| Adventitious Roots | Roots arise from parts of the plant other than the radicle (e.g., branches, stem). | Grass, Monstera, Banyan tree |
Phyllotaxy (Leaf Arrangement)
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| Type | Arrangement Pattern | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Alternate | A single leaf arises at each node in an alternate manner. | China rose, Mustard, Sunflower |
| Opposite | A pair of leaves arise at each node and lie opposite to each other. | Calotropis, Guava |
| Whorled | More than two leaves arise at a node and form a whorl. | Alstonia |
Flower Symmetry & Ovary Position
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| Attribute | Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symmetry | Actinomorphic | Radial symmetry; can be divided into two equal halves in any radial plane. | Mustard, Datura, Chilli |
| Zygomorphic | Bilateral symmetry; two similar halves only in one vertical plane. | Pea, Gulmohur, Bean, Cassia | |
| Asymmetric | Irregular; cannot be divided into two similar halves. | Canna | |
| Ovary Position | Hypogynous | Gynoecium is at the highest position (Superior Ovary). | Mustard, China rose, Brinjal |
| Perigynous | Gynoecium in centre; other parts on rim at same level (Half-Inferior Ovary). | Plum, Rose, Peach | |
| Epigynous | Thalamus encloses ovary; other parts arise above it (Inferior Ovary). | Guava, Cucumber, Ray florets of Sunflower |
Chapter Summary
Angiosperms are characterized by roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The detailed study of these external structures is known as Morphology. A clear understanding of technical terms is essential for classification.
Key Structural Modifications:
- Roots: Modified for storage (carrot), support (prop roots in Banyan), and respiration (pneumatophores).
- Stems: Modified into runners, tubers (potato), or tendrils.
- Leaves: Can be simple or compound (pinnate/palmate). Venation is generally reticulate in dicots and parallel in monocots.