Question

In Ruellia and Justicia, dispersal of seeds takes place by

• A. Jaculator mechanism
• B. Censer mechanism
• C. Winged seeds
• D. Parachute mechanism

Answer 1

The correct option is A Jaculator mechanism

The pollinated flowers produce capsules that have small hook-like outgrowths called as retinaculums or jaculators attached to the seeds. When the capsule dries, it breaks open and the retinaculums throw the seeds away from the parent plant. This is explosive dispersal or ballistichory or jaculator mechanism of dispersal. The Mexican petunia (Ruellia) has small petunia-shaped flowers and Justicia plants produces pods that can disperse seeds more than 10 feet away by this mechanism.

So, the correct answer is 'Jaculator mechanism'