Question

Persistent calyx is a characteristic of
a. Allium / Liliaceae
b. Hibiscus/ Malvaceae
c. Dalbergia/papilionatae
d. Solanum/solanaceae

Answer 1

Hint:
The outermost whorl of the flower that constitutes sepals is known as calyx. Generally sepals are green leaf like and they protect the flower in bud stage . The calyx may be gamosepalous(sepals remain united) and polysepalous ( when sepals remain free). The portion of the calyx which remains with the fruit when fruit gets matured is termed as persistent calyx.

Complete answer:
> Allium / Liliaceae:- In this family calyx and corolla get fused to form perianth . They possess valvate aestivation . So calyx is not persistent in them. Hence this option is not correct.
> Hibiscus/ Malvaceae:- calyx are 5 usually separate. The calyx does not remain attached with fruit. So the option is not correct.
> Dalbergia/papilionatae:- it has a gamosepalous condition but not persistent calyx. The calyx of this may be equal and unequal. This option is not correct.
> Solanum/solanaceae :- the calyx have a gamosepalous condition . They have persistent calyx and show valvate aestivation. So this option is correct.

Our correct answer is d) that is Solanum/solanaceae.

Note: When sepal exist till the fruit formation and also present even after maturation of fruit . This condition is called persistent calyx. Mainly the calyx and corolla shed after the maturation of fruit or vegetable but sometimes it remains with the fruit as in the case of solanaceae and in fruits like strawberry.