Question

Mention the peculiar features of the following

1) Anemophilous flower

2)Hydrophilous flower

Answer 1

Here are some of the characteristic features of anemophilous flowers that have been identified by botanists:

1. They are often small and inconspicuous and are usually developed well before the foliage, so that this does not interfere with the free circulation of air around the flowers.
2. They do not develop nectarines nor are they scented.
3. The male parts tend to produce very large quantities of pollen by comparison with entomophilous flowers. This compensates for the indirect and somewhat risky means of transport. The greater the quantity of pollen, the greater are the chances of pollination. The aggregation of many male flowers into flexible catkins is common among trees, and clouds of pollen can be seen as it is shed from the hazel, oak and other trees.
4. The stigmas are often large, feathery and very sticky, and extend well outside the flower. Thus the pollen is more likely to reach them.
5. To remain airborne as long as possible, the pollen grains are usually very tiny, smooth-walled, dry and light; sometimes they have air-bladders.
6. Plants with anemophilous flowers are either trees or herbaceous plants with flowers high above the foliage. Thus there is less interference with pollen dispersal or pollen capture by the stigmas.

The floral adaptations of hydrophilous flowers are:

Flowers are colorless, small, inconspicuous without nectar and fragrance.Pollen grains are long, ribbon-like structures which are carried with current of water.The pollen grains are light but covered with wax, in order to protect them from wetting.