Question

Explain different types of calyx.

Answer 1

Hint: The calyx is the modified leaf that makes the outermost whorl of a flower. In different species of plants the sizes, shapes, persistence, structure may vary along with its color that may be a characteristic feature of certain plants.

Complete answer:
The calyx is the outermost whorl of a flower and its individual members are called sepals. The sepals are generally green leaf-like structures that protect the flower in the bud stage. The calyx may be Polysepalous, Gamosepalous, Caducous, Persistent, or Petaloid.
Polysepalous: When the calyx or sepals are free. For example, Cassia.
Gamosepalous: When the calyx or sepals are united or fused. For Example, Datura.
Caducous: When the sepals fall off too soon. For example, Poppy.
Persistent: When sepals persist even after fruit formation. For Example, Pomegranate.
Petaloid: These are colored sepals. For example, Larkspur.
The calyx is of the following type:
- Tubular: The calyx is united to form a tube. For example, Datura.
- Campanulate: The calyx lobes are united to form a bell- shaped structure, e.g., China rose.
- Pappus: The sepals are modified to form feather- like structures or a bunch of hairs that help in the dispersal of seed, e.g. sunflower.
- Spinous: The sepals are modified to form pointed, spine- like structures. e.g. Water- chestnut.
- Hooded: One of the sepals is enlarged to form a hood- like structure, e.g. Aconitum.
- Deciduous: The sepals fall off along with petals just after fertilization, e.g. mustard.

Note:
- Tubular and Campanulate are the subtypes of Gamosepalous with regular sepals. - There are different types of calyx based on the duration of calyx in a flower. - Petaloid sepals are often colored or remarkably formed to attract pollinators. - One of the outer parts of a flower is tepal. This term is used only when the parts cannot easily be classified as either sepals or petals.