Question

How many plants in the list given below have persistent calyx?
Gram, Mulathi, Brinjal, Chilli, Wheat, Gloriosa, Sunhemp
A. Three
B. Four
C. Two
D. Five

Answer 1

Hint: Generally, the sepals are collectively called calyx. The outermost whorl of a flower forms a green, leaf-like structure which helps to protect the bud in flower condition.

Complete answer:
The part of calyx which exists till the formation of fruit and remains even after the matured stage of fruit is known as persistent calyx. This condition is prominently seen in Solanaceae family.
 Solanaceae family is also referred to as the potato family in which the calyx is persistent and remains attached to the fruit. There are around 2000 species of dicotyledonous plants which belong to this family Solanaceae. The plants with persistent calyx which forms a cover around the fruit are present in brinjal, chilli, potato, etc.
In Mulethi, the calyx is short, bearing bell shaped glandular hairs. The wheat and gram are belonging to monocot and dicot seeds respectively in which both are related to Rabi crops.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
The family Solanaceae plays a major role in its economic Importance of food, medicinal values, ornamentals and narcotics. Some of the plants in Solanaceae family that is of great economic importance is as follows:
-This family provides an important source of food with the help of several vegetables like the tomato, potato, brinjal and provide spices through Chilli.
-Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) are medicinal plants.
-Tobacco is derived from the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum which belongs to this family.
-Petunia is used as ornamental plants and it is well known for its different coloured flowers.

Note: Physalis is one of the genera of flowering plants which belongs to the Solanaceae family. In Physalis, the sepals are persistent and so persistent and accrescent calyx takes place.