A plant in which sepals remain attached even after fertilization?
Sepal is a part of flower which protect flower from insects .In solanaceae family the seplas remain attached after fertilization also .Some examples are tomato, brinjal ,chilli , guava , strawberry etc.
A plant in which sepals remain attached even after fertilization?
Introduction:
In most flowering plants, the sepals are the outermost whorl of the flower and serve to protect the developing bud. They are usually green in color and remain attached to the base of the flower until it opens. However, there are certain plant species in which the sepals remain attached even after fertilization. This unique characteristic can be observed in a few plant families.
Explanation:
1. Family Solanaceae:
One example of a plant family in which the sepals remain attached after fertilization is Solanaceae, which includes plants like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. In these plants, the sepals enlarge and become fleshy, forming a structure commonly known as the calyx. The calyx provides protection to the developing fruit and remains attached to it even after fertilization.
2. Family Rosaceae:
Another example is the Rosaceae family, which includes plants like roses, strawberries, and apples. In these plants, the sepals also remain attached to the fruit after fertilization. The sepals may become modified and form a structure called the hypanthium, which surrounds the base of the fruit.
3. Family Brassicaceae:
Plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family, such as cabbage, broccoli, and radish, also exhibit the characteristic of sepals remaining attached after fertilization. In these plants, the sepals often become inconspicuous and are fused to the base of the fruit.
4. Family Malvaceae:
Certain plants in the Malvaceae family, including hibiscus and okra, also have sepals that remain attached to the fruit. In these plants, the sepals may become enlarged and form a structure known as the epicalyx, which surrounds the base of the fruit.
Importance:
The sepals that remain attached after fertilization serve several purposes. They continue to protect the developing fruit from physical damage, pathogens, and herbivores. Additionally, they may play a role in seed dispersal by facilitating the attachment of the fruit to animals' fur or feathers.
Conclusion:
In certain plant families, such as Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Brassicaceae, and Malvaceae, the sepals remain attached to the fruit even after fertilization. This unique characteristic provides continued protection to the developing fruit and may aid in seed dispersal. Understanding these variations in floral structure and development enhances our knowledge of plant diversity and adaptation.
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