Tetradynamous Condition in Cruciferae (Mustard Family)

Tetradynamous condition is the characteristic feature of the family Cruciferae (Mustard Family). It refers to the presence of six stamens in a flower, four of which are long and two are short. The term "tetradynamous" is derived from two Greek words, "tetra" meaning four and "dynamous" meaning power or strength.

Structure of the Flowers

The flowers in the Cruciferae family are bisexual and actinomorphic, which means they are radially symmetrical. They have four sepals and four petals arranged in a cross shape. There are six stamens, four of which are long and two are short. The two carpels are fused together, forming a single pistil with two chambers. The ovary is superior, and the style is short with a capitate stigma.

Tetradynamous Condition

The tetradynamous condition is the most distinctive feature of the Cruciferae family. It refers to the presence of six stamens in the flower, four of which are long and two are short. The four long stamens are arranged in pairs, with one pair being longer than the other. The two short stamens are located at the center of the flower, below the longer stamens.

The tetradynamous condition is thought to have evolved as a mechanism to prevent self-fertilization in the flowers. The long stamens produce more pollen, which is easily transferred to the stigma of other flowers by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The shorter stamens produce less pollen and are less likely to fertilize the ovules within the same flower.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tetradynamous condition is the characteristic feature of the Cruciferae family. It refers to the presence of six stamens in the flower, four of which are long and two are short. This condition is thought to have evolved as a mechanism to prevent self-fertilization and promote outcrossing in the flowers.

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