Question

Cruciform corolla is characterized by:

• A. Five fused petals
• B. Five free sessile petals
• C. Four diagonally placed clawed petals
• D. Four medially and laterally placed clawed petals

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Four diagonally placed clawed petals

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option:

1. Cruciform corolla typically refers to a type of polypetalous corolla.
2. The petals remain free and have a diagonal arrangement to form a cross.
3. In this corolla, four petals are there, e.g.- Brassica.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Fused petals are seen in sympetalous corolla.
2. The petals are of similar structure and therefore they are joined together.
3. The presence of five petals is known as the pentamerous condition.
4. But in cruciform corolla, there are four petals.

Option B:

1. Flowers possessing sessile petals do not have a pedicel.
2. They directly grow on the stem.
3. Sessile petals are seen in the Rosaceous corolla.
4. Four petals are found in cruciform corolla.

Option D:

1. If the petals are clawed and placed medianly and laterally then the formation is referred to as caryophyllaceous corolla.
2. There are four petals in the cruciform corolla but they are not arranged in a lateral manner.
3. They are arranged diagonally.

Final answer: Cruciform corolla is characterized by four diagonally placed clawed petals.