Question

Differentiate actinomorphic from zygomorphic flower.

Answer 1

Actinomorphic -

Flowers that are radially symmetrical so that they are able to be bisected into similar halves in more than one vertical plane, forming mirror images.

This Romulea rosea (Iridaceae) flower can be bisected into similar halves in three different vertical planes.

Zygomorphic -

Flowers that are bilaterally symmetrical so that they are able to be bisected into similar halves in only one plane, forming mirror images.

This Gladiolus (Iridaceae) can be bisected into similar halves in only one vertical plane.