Question

When the other floral parts are arranged at the base of the gynoecium, the flower is called
A. Hypogynous flower
B. Perigynous flower
C. Epigynous flower
D. Agynous flower

Answer 1

Hint: Gynoecium is the innermost whorl of a flower. It is a female reproductive part. Its unit is the carpel which consists of an ovary. There are two types of ovary- an inferior and superior ovary.

Complete step by step answer: On the basis of the relative position of the calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium, or thalamus, the flowers are classified into three parts. These three parts are as follows –
1. Hypogynous flower: They are the primitive kinds of flowers. The word hypogynous is made up of two words, Hypo meaning below and Gynous meaning gynoecium. Hence, in hypogynous flowers, the male part that consists of the androecium, and the other floral parts are situated below the gynoecium. Here the ovary is superior. Example – Mustard, China rose
2. Perigynous flower: The word epigynous is made up of two words, Peri meaning surrounding or around and Gynous meaning gynoecium. Hence, in perigynous flowers, the male part that consists of the androecium, and the other floral parts are situated around the gynoecium. Here the ovary is half superior as half of its part is superior. Example – Rose, Peach, Plum, etc.
3. Epigynous flower: They are advanced kinds of flowers. The word epigynous is made up of two words, Epi meaning upon or above and Gynous meaning gynoecium. Hence, in epigynous flowers, the male part that consists of the androecium, and the other floral parts are situated above the gynoecium. Here the ovary is inferior. Example – Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, etc.
Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that when the other floral parts are arranged at the base of the gynoecium, the flower is called a Hypogynous flower.
Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The word agynous is made up of two words, A meaning not and Gynous meaning gynoecium. Hence, in agynous flowers, there is no gynoecium present. These flowers may be sterile or might contain only the male reproductive parts. It is a dioecious condition.