Valvate aestivation shows petals close to each other, but not overlapping each other. Example calotropis

Valvate aestivation refers to the arrangement of floral parts in a bud, where the sepals or petals in a whorl slightly overlap one another at the margins, but do not completely cover the other parts. In this case, the correct answer is option 'D', Calotropis.

Calotropis is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is commonly known as the milkweed plant. There are two species of Calotropis: Calotropis procera and Calotropis gigantea. Both species exhibit valvate aestivation.

Here is a detailed explanation of why Calotropis shows valvate aestivation:

1. Calotropis:
Calotropis has radial symmetry, which means its floral parts are arranged in a circular pattern. The flowers are usually large and showy. Each flower consists of five sepals and five petals.

2. Sepals:
The sepals are the outermost whorl of floral parts and are typically green and leaf-like. In Calotropis, the sepals exhibit valvate aestivation. This means that the sepals slightly overlap each other at the margins, but do not completely cover the other parts.

3. Petals:
The petals are the next inner whorl of floral parts. In Calotropis, the petals also exhibit valvate aestivation. They slightly overlap each other at the margins, forming a characteristic shape.

4. Other floral parts:
Inside the whorls of sepals and petals, Calotropis has a column-like structure known as the gynostegium. The gynostegium is formed by the fusion of stamens and carpels. It is a unique feature of the family Apocynaceae.

In conclusion, Calotropis is a plant that shows valvate aestivation. Both its sepals and petals exhibit this arrangement in the bud. Valvate aestivation allows the floral parts to be protected and provides efficient packing in the bud.