Question

In family Caesalpiniaceae, odd sepal is
(a) Anterior
(b) Posterior
(c) Anterior-posterior
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Caesalpiniaceae family is known also as the peacock flower subfamily. Their calyx consists of 5 green sepals, united or free. There is one modified petal which is smaller than the other 4 petals, flowers borne in terminal clusters.

Complete answer:
In Caesalpiniaceae, the odd sepal is in anterior condition, but in Solanaceae the odd sepal is posterior, which lies near the mother axis. They are mostly shrubs or trees. Leaves are large, pinnately, or pinnately compounds and stipulate. Stipules are either small or articulate. Flowers are big and showy forming clusters, they are bisexual, perigynous, and pentamerous.

Sepals 5, free, or connate, odd sepal anterior, imbricate aestivation. In Tamarindus the two posterior sepals are united. Petals 5, in Tamarindus there are only three posterior petals; in Copaifera saraca the petals are totally reduced; free, ascending imbricate aestivation, the posterior petal is innermost. Inflorescence mostly racemose or panicle. Fruit is long, legume; seed in some cases is endospermous.

Additional Information:
- Androecium consists of 10 stamens. Anthers are dithecous, basifixed or versatile, Dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Stamens are usually free, rarely connate, but sometimes reduced to staminodes or altogether abortive. In Cassia 3 to 5 stamens, reduced to staminodes, in Tamarindus sp. 3 stamens are well developed, while rest are reduced into staminodes.
- Gynoecium is monocarpellary, ovary is cylindrical with terminal style and a capitate stigma. ovary superior, unilocular; marginal placentation; style long; stigma simple.
- Ovary is unilocular with numerous ovules. Entomophilous pollination is usually seen.
So, the correct answer is '(a) Anterior'.

Note:
- The members of caesalpiniaceae are economically important. Flowers are used as an excellent uterine tonic.
- Fruits of some members are edible. Stem of some of them yields a fibre suitable for making paper, ropes etc.
- Twigs of some of them are used as fodder. Some of them are used in curing skin-diseases such as ringworm etc. Certain plants are grown as ornamental plants.