Explain symmetry in flowers and give examples in each case
Answers
Floral symmetry describes whether, and how, a flower, in particular its perianth, can be divided into two or more identical or mirror-image parts. Uncommonly, flowers may have no axis of symmetry at all, typically
because their parts are spirally arranged.
There could be three possible symmetries in a flower and they are as follows;
1. Radial Symmetry; in this, the flower can be divided into equal halves passing through any plane from the centre. Such a flower is called actinomorphic. Eg. mustard, datura, chilli, etc.
2. Bilateral Symmetry; in this, the flower can be divided into two equal halves passing through only one plane i.e. vertical. Such a flower is called zygomorphic. Eg. pea, gulmohur, bean, etc.
3. Asymmetry; in this, the flower can't be divided into equal halves passing through any plane due to its irregular structure. Eg. Canna.
Hope it helps! ;-))