Question

The three sub-families of Leguminosae are distinguished mainly on the basis of

• A. Nature of gynoecium
• B. Nature of corolla and stamens
• C. Nature of habit of the plants
• D. Nature of fruit

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Nature of corolla and stamens

Leguminosae family is classified into three sub-families: Papilionoideae, Caesalpinioideae, and Mimosoideae on the basis of characters of the corolla (symmetry) of flower, type of petals and their fusion and motivation and androgenic (number of arrangement). Members of the Papilionoideae are easily distinguishable from the other two subfamilies of the Leguminosae (Mimosoideae and Caesalpinioideae) by numerous morphological attributes including the papilionoid structure of the corolla, asymmetrical seeds, ovate-elliptical cotyledons, campylotropous ovules and the embryo axis is curved or a short spira.

The floral formula for Mimosoideae is k, K 5 or (4), C 5 or 4, A 10, G 1, leg.
The floral formula for Caesalpinioideae is k, K 5 or (5), C 5, A1 0, G 1, leg.
The floral formula for Papilionioideae is k, K (5), C 1+2+(2), A (9)+1, G 1, leg.

Thus, the correct answer is option B.