THE FLOWERS The flower is a modified shoot and meant for sexual reproduction.

It is collection of four different kinds of floral members, arranged in four separate whorls. The upper two whorls are essential or reproductive whorls whereas lower two are helping or accessory whorls. The flower is born on an axis which consists of two parts the pedicel or stalk of flower and the thalamus is swollen end of the axis on which the floral leaves are inserted. The floral whorls are arranged on the thalamus in a particular order one just above the other. These four whorls are as follows. CALYX It is the first or lower most whorl of the flower, the calyx is generally green is colour. Each member of calyx is known as sepal. Sometimes sepals become coloured called petaloid. Such as in gold mohur. The calyx is non essential or accessory part of flower. FUNCTIONS 1- Protection of floral bud 2- Assimilation when green in colour 3- Attraction when coloured and showy 4- Modified into papus which helps in dispersal COROLLA It is the second non essential floral whorl of flower. It is brightly colored. Each member of its known as petal. However there is no differentiation of calyx and corolla in some flowers. It is called perianth. FUNCTIONS 1- The corolla attracts insects and hence help in pollination.

2- It encloses stamens and carpels. 3- It protect the stamens and carpels from external heat rain and insects attack. ANDROCIEUM It is the third essential floral whorl and each member of it is known as stamen. The stamen is a male reproductive body and consists of filament, anther and connective. The anther bears four chambers of pollen sacs, each chamber is filled with granular mass of small cells called pollen grains. Each pollen grain consists of two walls, the outer exine and inner intine. FUNCTIONS It is the male reproductive body and hence possess male gametes which take part in reproduction. GYNOECIUM It is the fourth essential floral whorl and its component parts are called carpals. The carpel is a female reproductive body, it may be one or more than one, and may be united or free. Each carpel consists of stigma, style and ovary. The stigma is terminal end which receives the pollen grain. It may be smooth or hairy and becomes sticky on maturity, The style is slender projection of ovary, It helps in pollination and later on dries up. The ovary is swollen basal portion, which encloses minute egg like bodies called ovules. The ovule possess egg cells. FUNCTIONS The gynoecium is a female reproductive body. It possess the egg cells which take parts in reproduction. AESTIVATION It is the arrangement of floral whorls i.e. the sepals or petals in a floral bud, it is of following types:

(A) VALVATE The members of a whorl lie close to each other and do not overlap e .g Calatropis. (B) TWISTED One margin of a floral whorl overlaps that of the next one. It may be clockwise or anti clockwise e.g. China rose. (C)VEXILLARY When petals are five, two internal are overlaped on both margins by two petals, these two are overlaped by a single largest posterior petal e.g. Pea bean etc. (D)IMBRICATE When one of the sepal or petal is internal and other external and each or remaining one is overlaped on one margin and it overlaps the next one on other margin e.g Gold mohur . A. Velvate. B Twisted C. Vexillary D. Imtricate. INSERTION OF FLORAL LEAVES ON THE THALAMUS The floral leaves are inserted on the thalamus in a particular order, it is of following types: (A) HYPOGYNOUS In some flowers the thalamus is convex or conical and ovary occupies the highest position on it. However other floral whorls are inserted below the ovary, such flower is known as hypogynous and ovary as superior. E.g. Mustard. (B ) PERIGYNOUS In certain flowers thalamus forms a flattened circular disc due to the fact that sises of thalamus grows up to the same level. The apex of thalamus is in the middle of the disc at which gynoecium develops, whereas at the rim or margin sepals, petals and androecium are inserted. They are round about it and hence are called perigynous,

such as in pea. Sometimes the apex of thalamus grows up in conical shape as in raspberry. Whereas in some cases the calyx forms a cup shaped structure called calyx tube such as in wild rose. (C) EPIGYNOUS In some flowers the concave receptacle surrounds the ovary and is fused with it. The sepals, petals and stamens apparently arise from the tip of the ovary such ovary is said to be inferior. E.g. Sunflower, apple, guava, pear etc. IMPORTANT TERMS TO DESCRIBE A FLOWER COMPLETE: When all the four floral whorls are present. INCOMPLETE: When any of the whorl is absents. BISEXUAL: The stamen and carpel both are present. UNISEXUAL: The flower possess either stamen or carpel. STAMINATE: Only stamens are present (male). PISTILATE: When flower possess only carpels (female). NEUTER: The stamens and carpels both are absent. SYMMETRY +ACTINOMORPHIC When a flower can be divided into two equal halves by any vertical section passing through centre. + ZYGOMORPHIC When it can be divided into two similar halves by only one vertical section. + IRREGULAR The flower can not be divided into two similar halves by any vertical plane. COHESION OF STAMEN + MONOADELPHOUS When filaments are united in a bundle and anthers are free e.g. China rose.

+ DIADELPHOUS The filaments are united into two bundles and anthers are free e.g. Pea. + POLYADELPHOUS The filaments are united into more than two bundles and anthers are free. + SYNGENECIOUS The anthers are united together and filaments are free e.g. Sunflower. ADHESION OF STAMENS + EPIPETALOUS The stamens adhere to corolla, wholly or partially by their filaments. + GYNANDROUS When stamens adhere to carpels e.g. Calatropis. LENGTH OF STAMENS +DIDYNAMOUS The stamens are four, two of them short and two long e.g. Nerium. +TETRADYNAMOUS The stamens are six but two short and four long e.g. mustard. GYNOECIUM + MONOCARPELLARY The pistil consists of only one carpel, it is also known as simple pistil e.g. Pea, Bean + POLYCARPELLARY The pistil consists of two or more carpels, it is also known as compound pistil e.g. Rose.

+ SYNCARPOUS The carpels are united into one ovary e.g. Mustard. STIGMA + CAPITATE When stigma is rounded and knob like. Bi, tri or Multified: when stigma is branched into two , three or many. + FEATHERY When stigma is feather like. + FLATTENED When sitgma is flat. + POINTED When stigma is pointed. + LINEAR When it is long and narrow. STYLE + TERMINAL When style arise from top of ovary; such as in Mustard. + GYNOBASIC When it arise between the lobes of the ovary from its base;such as in Salvia. + PEDICILLATE When flower is born on a stalk or pedicel. (STALKED) + SESSILE When stalk is absent

+ BRACTEATE When flower is developed in the axil of a bract + EBRACTEATE When bract is absent. + DIMEROUS When each floral whorl has two floral leaves (Dicot) + TRIMEROUS When floral whorl has three floral leaves (Monocot) + TETRAMEROUS When each floral whorl has four floral leaves; and so the pentamerous Dicots) CALYX + PETALOID The calyx having other then green colour. + CAMPANULATE Sepals fused to form bell shaped structure. + POLYSEPALOUS When sepals are free from one another. + GAMOSEPALOUS When sepals are fused or united with one another. PETALS +SEPALOID The petals are green in colour.

+CRUCIFORM Petals are arranged in form of a cross. +POLYPETALOUS When petals are free from one another. +GAMOPETALOUS When petals are united with one another. +PERIANTH When calyx and corolla can not be distinguished with one other due to similar shape and colour. PERIANTH +SEPALOID When perianth leaves are green. +POLYPHYLLOUS When perianth leaves are free from one another. +GAMOPHYLLOUS When perianth leaves are fused. FLORAL FORMULA The floral formula is represented by various symlols. The symbols used in floral formula are as follows. SYMMETRY OF THE FLOWER Zygomorphic = + Actinomorphic = O SEXUALITY

Bisexual = Q+ Unisexual (male) Unisexual (female) Neuter =

PERIANTH

Perianth = P Polyphyllous = Pn n=number of perianth leaves. Gamophyllous = (n)

CALYX

Epicalyx = Epi K Petals = C Calyx = K Polypetalous = Cn, Polysepalous = Kn, n= number Gamopetalous = C(n) Gamosepalous = K (n) of sepals

ANDROECIUM

Androecium = A Androecium free = An n= number of stamens Androecium United = A (n) Epipetalous = C-A

GYNOECIUM

Gynoecium = G Apocarpous = Gn Syncarpous = G (n) Ovary inferior = G n= number of carpels Ovary Superior = G

FLORAL DIAGRAM The features of flower in flora formula are represented by symbols, while in floral diagram by the diagram of its various floral leaves alongwith actual number and position. MOTHER AXIS: It is represented by a Dot above the floral diagram. It actually shows the position how a flower is born. The position of it can be seen from upperside. It may be between two adjacent sepals or a single sepal. PLACENTATION It is the arrangement of placenta which are cushion like ridges in the ovary, The placenta bear ovules. In simple ovary placentaion is marginal, whereas in compound ovary it may be parietal, axile, free central, basal and superficial. (A) MARGINAL In a simple ovary or monocarpellary pistil, the ovules are arranged along the fused margins, these margins forms a cushion like tissue called placenta along the ventral suture on the inner surface of ovary wall e.g. Pea, Gram, Bean, etc. (B) PARIETAL In a compound syncarpous and unilocular ovary, the fused margins of the carpals swells up to form placentas, to which ovules are attached. The placentas lie along the wall of ovary and their number indicates the number of carpels forming ovary e.g. cucumber, Melon; etc. (C) AXILE In a polycarpellary syncarpous pistil and multilocular ovary, each carpel is folded along its mid-rib and meets in the centre of the ovary. The ovules are attached to this central axis e.g. Tomato, China rose, etc. (D) FREE CENTRAL In a compound and unilocular ovary the ovules are situated all around the central axis, which arise from the thalamus and not fused with the margins of the carpels. However in some plants the axile placentation becomes free central due to breaking down of septa e.g. Pink (Diantus)

(E) BASAL In a unilocular ovary the placentas develops directly on the thalamus and bears single ovule at the base of ovary e.g. Sunflower, Cosmos etc. (F) SUPERFICIAL In a multilocular ovary, the ovules are not on the margins of the carpels; but over the whole inner surface of the partition walls e.g. Waterlily. TYPES OF PLACENTATION 1.FOR SIMPLE OVARY Only one type, MARGINAL. 2.FOR COMPOUND OVARY I- Exile II- Central III- Parietal IV- Basal V- Superficial. 1. MARGINAL PLACENTATION In marginal placentation, the ovary is one chambered and the placenta develops along the junction of the two margins of the carpel, called the ventral suture. EXAMPLES Pea, wild pea, gram, gold mohr, and cassia are common examples. 2. AXILE PLACENTATION In the axile placentation the ovary is two to many chambered and the placenta bearing the ovules develop from the central axis e.g. Potato, Tomato, Petunia, China rose etc. 3. CENTRAL PLACENTATION In this case the septa in the young ovary soon break down so that the ovary becomes

one-chambered and the placenta develops all round the central axis e.g. Dianthus, Saponaria etc. 4. PARIETAL PLACENTATION The ovary is one chambered and placenta develops on the inner wall of the ovary e.g. papaw, orchids etc. 5. BASAL PLACENTATION The ovary is unilocular and placenta develops directly on the thalamus e.g. sunflower, cosmos etc. 6. SUPERFICIAL PLACENTATION The ovary is multilocular, carpels are numerous and placenta develops all round the inner surface of the partition walls as in waterlily. INFLORESCENCE The branch system of the floral region bearing a group of flowers is called INFLORESCENCE. The term inflorescence refers to the arrangement of flowers on plant. TYPES OF INFLORESCENCE The flowers may be solitary or grouped into clusters, Such clusters vary in shape and arrangement. On the basis of arrangement of flowers, inflorescence is classified into 1-RECEMOSE 1- In this case, the main axis of inflorescence does not end in a flower. 2- Main axis continues to grow and gives off flowers laterally. 3- The lower or outer flowers are always older and open earlier than the upper or inner ones. 4- Order of opening of flowers is called centripetal.

EXAMPLES Mustard, Gold mohr, Mulberry, birch etc. KINDS OF RECEMOSE INFLORESCENCE Recemose inflorescence has following main types on the basis of nature and shape of the peduncle: I- PEDUNCLE ELONGATED It is further subdivided into following types; 1. RECEME The main axis in this case is elongated and it bears laterally a number of flowers which are all stalk e.g. radish, mustard, dwarf gold mohur etc. 2. SPIKE In this case the flowers are sessile e.g. Adhatoda, Achyrnthes etc. 3. CATKIN This is a spike with a long and pendulous axis which bears unisexual flowers e.g. Musberry, Acalypha, Birch and Oak etc. 4. SPADIX This is also a spike with a fleshy axis which is enclosed by one or more large bracts called spathes e.g. Banana, Palms etc. II- PEDUNCLE SHORTENED It is further divided into following types; 1. CORYMB Here the main axis is comparatively short, and the lower flowers have much longer stalk than the upper ones. Hence all the flowers are brought more or less to the same level e.g. candytuft, wall flowers etc.

2. UMBEL Here the primary axis is short and it bears at its tips a group of flowers which have pedicles of more or less equal length so that the flowers are seen to spread out from a common point. In the umbel there is always a whorl of bracts forming an involucre, and each flower develops from the axil of a bract, e.g. Carrycumin, Coriander etc. III- PEDUNCLE FLATTENED The best example is seen in sunflower family, here the inflorescence is called the head as the capitulum. HEAD OR CAPITULUM 1. A dense cluster of sessile or sub-sessile flowers, on a compound receptacle is called capitulum. 2. Main axis is almost flat, bearing sessile flowers. 3. Outer flowers are older and open earlier. 4. The florets are commonly of two types I- RAY FLORETS II- DESC FLORETS EXAMPLES Capitulum is characteristic feature of sunflower family e.g. sunflower, marigold; zinnia, cosmos etc. IV- SPIKELET INFLORESCENCE It is a kind of racemose inflorescence. There are three bracts at its base called glumes. The lower two without flowers are called empty glumes. The third glume has flower in its axil and called Lemma. Just opposite to lemma, there is small bractcole called Palea. Flowers are covered by their respective lemma and palea. This type of inflorescence is characteristic feature of family Poaceae (Grass Family). 2-CYMOSE 1- Here the main axis ends in a flower and similarly the lateral axis also ends in a flower. 2- The growth of each axis is checked due to presence of flower on its tip.

3- The terminal flowers are always older and open earlier than the lateral ones. 4- The order of opening of flowers is centrifugal. EXAMPLES Jasmine, Teak, Night Jasmine, Ixora. KIND OF CYMOSE INFLORESCENCE I- UNIPAROUS (MONOCHASIAL) CYME Main axis soon ends into a flower and produces only one lateral branch at a time ending in a flower. The succeeding lateral branches again follow the same mode of producing flowers. If the succeeding branches are produced on alternate side, it is called Scorpiold cyme (cotton, forget-me-not). Whereas, if the succeeding branches are produced on same side, it is called Helicoid (sundew). II- BIPAROUS (DICHASIAL) CYME Main axis soon terminate into a flower and produces two flowers. This mode is followed by each succeeding flowers (Pink, Night- Jasmine).

CHARACTERISTICS OF A FLOWER BRACTS Present (bracteate) Absent (Ebracteate) BRACTEOLES Present (Bracteolate) Absent (Ebracteolate) SYMMETRY OF THE FLOWER Actinomorphic Zygomorphic SEXUALITY OF THE FLOWER Bisexual Unisexual

SYMBOL USED Br Ebr Bri EbI

Male (staminate) flower Female (pistillate) flower NON ESSENTIAL WHORLS Perianth Tepals free Tepals united Calyx Sepsis free Sepsis united Corolla Petals free Petals united ESSENTIAL WHORLS Androecium Stamens free Stamens united monadeiphous diadeiphous Stamens numerous Stamens attached to petals Gynoecium Carpeis free (apocarpous) Carpels united (syncarpous) Ovary superior A A5 A(10) A(9)+1 A Infinity C5A5 G G5 G(5) G P P3 P(3) K K5 K(5) C C5 C(5)

Ovary inferior G Fig 27.1 Table Showing Characteristics of a Flower and Symbol Used

Characteristic Features of Family Solanaceae

Habit and L.S. of flower of Solanum nigrum

Root: Taproot, branched. Stem: Herbaceous or woody, branched. Leaves: Simple, alternate, sometimes pinnately divided into unequal lobes, exstipulate. Inflorescence: Cymose. Often solitary cyme. Flower: Ebracteate, actinomorphic, bisexual, pedicellate, hypogynous. Calyx: Sepals 5, gamosepalous, persistent (in the fruit condition also). Corolla: Petals 5, gamopetalous, rotate or companulate. Androecium: Stamens 5, epipetalous. Gynoecium: Bicarpellary, syncarpous, bilocular or tetralocular due to pseudoseptum. Many ovules on axile placentation. Ovary superior, Obliquely placed. Fruit: Berry or capsule, often containing many light brown disc-shaped seeds. Seed: Endospermic.
Members of this Family usually have:

Regular flowers with five petals Alternate leaves Five stamens attached to the corolla tube Superior ovary containing many yellowish disc-shaped seeds

Floral formula:

Floral diagram:

Example
1. Solanum tuberosum potato 2. Solanum melongena brinjal 3. Lycopersicum esculentum tomato 4. Capsicum annum red chilli

There are several poisonous species, including Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) and Thorn Apple (Datura stramonium), and the family also contains the important economic plant, Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), which contains the highly toxic alkaloid nicotine.

SOLANACEAE

It is a large family, commonly called as the potato family. It is widely distributed in tropics, subtropics and even temperate zones (Figure 5.22).
Vegetative Characters

Plants mostly herbs, shrubs and rarely small trees Stem: herbaceous rarely woody, aerial; erect, cylindrical, branched, solid or hollow, hairy or glabrous, underground stem in potato (Solanum tuberosum) Leaves: alternate, simple, rarely pinnately compound, exstipulate; venation reticulate
Floral Characters

Inflorescence : Solitary, axillary or cymose as in Solanum Flower: bisexual, actinomorphic Calyx: sepals five, united, persistent, valvate aestivation Corolla: petals five, united; valvate aestivation Androecium: stamens five, epipetalous Gynoecium: bicarpellary, syncarpous; ovary superior, bilocular, placenta swollen with many ovules Fruits: berry or capsule Seeds: many, endospermous Floral Formula: Economic Importance: Many plants belonging to this family are source of food (tomato, brinjal, potato), spice (chilli); medicine (belladonna, ashwagandha); fumigatory (tobacco); ornamentals (petunia).

Figure 5.22 Solanum nigrum (makoi) plant : (a) Flowering twig (b) Flower (c) L.S. of flower (d) Stamens (e) Carpel (f) Floral diagram

Liliaceae
Liliaceae - The Liliaceae, or the lily family, is a family of monocotyledon s in the order Liliales. Plants in this family have linear leaves, mostly with parallel veins Habit: Mostly perennial herbs, stem often modified into bulbs or corms, rarely shrubs and trees (Dracenea, Yucca). Some are climbers (Gloriosa, Smilax). Many are xerophytes (Aloe, Agave and Asparagus).

Root: Adventitious, fibrous, sometimes tuberose. Stem: Erect or climbing, branched or unbranched herbaceous, may be modified as phylloclade (Ruscus) or cladode (Asparagus) or bulb (Alium) Leaves: Radical or cauline, simple or rarely compound well developed or reduced to sheaths or scales, tubular. Venation is parallel and reticulate in Smilax. Inflorescence: Variable, mostly racemose, simple raceme or spike or umbel or panicle. Sometimes solitary cyme (tulips). Flower: Bracteate, actinomorphic, bisexual, pedicellate, homochlamydeous, trimerous, incomplete, and hypogynous. Perianth: Tepals 6, in two whorls, polyphyllous or gamophyllous, imbricate or valvate aestivation. Androecium: Stamens 6, in two whorls of three each usually free or attached to tepals (epiphyllous) anthers dithecous, usually versatile, introse or extrose. Gynoecium: Carpels 3 (tricarpellary), syncarpous, trilocular, two ovules in each locule attached on axile placentation, style simple, stigma trifid, and ovary superior. Fruit: Berry or capsule. Seed: Small, endospermic.

fig. Habit, floral diagram and floral formula of liliaceae

Examples
1. Alium cepa (onion) 2. Asparagus racemosus - roots edible, medicinal also 3. Alium sativum (garlic) - medicinal use also

LILIACEAE

Commonly called the Lily family is a characteristic representative of monocotyledonous plants. It is distributed world wide (Figure 5.23). Vegetative characters: Perennial herbs with underground bulbs/corms/rhizomes Leaves mostly basal, alternate, linear, exstipulate with parallel venation Floral characters Inflorescence: solitary / cymose; often umbellate clusters Flower: bisexual; actinomorphic Perianth tepal six (3+3), often united into tube; valvate aestivation Androecium: stamen six, (3+3) Gynoecium: tricarpellary, syncarpous, ovary superior, trilocular with many ovules; axile placentation Fruit: capsule, rarely berry Seed: endospermous

Floral Formula: Br P3+3 A3+3 G(3) Economic Importance: Many plants belonging to this family are good ornamentals (tulip, Gloriosa), source of medicine (Aloe), vegetables (Asparagus), and colchicine (Colchicum autumnale).

Figure 5.23 Allium cepa (onion) plant : (a) Plant (b) Inflorescence (c) Flower (d) Floral diagram

APOCYNACEAE
Inflorescence: Cymosely sometimes corymbose umbellate. Flower: Regular bisexual, hypogenous, actinomorphic, Pentamerous or tetra merous. Calyx: Sepals five rarely four fused but incised upto the base imbricate estivation. Corolla: Petals five gamopetalous tubular funnel shaped, twisted estivation rarely valuate, the throat of corolla tube interiorly poses hairs or corona. Androecium: Stamens 4-5 free epipetalous rarely united anthers long linear arrow headed, connate around stigma and apparently adnate to i.e. dehiscence longitudinal. Ring-like or glandular disc present. Gynoecium: Carpels -2 free below and united by styles only or in completely united superior partly inferior (Plumeria). When apocarpous. Ovary unilocular with marginal placentation or bilocular with axile placentation, ovules tow too many in each chamber.

Members of this Family usually have: Simple leaves Milky sap Five part calyx

Clusters of flowers Five large petals joined at the base Five stamens

Family Rutaceae
Characteristics

are usually small to medium shrubs leaves are often aromatic, containing oil glands flowers have four to five sepals and petals and are white, yellow, purple, pink or red in colour

LEGUMINOSAE
LEGUMINOSAE (now separated into CAESALPINIACEAE, FABACEAE, MIMOSACAE, PAPILIONACEAE) - The Pea Family This is one of the largest and most useful plant families. - 17,000 species, distributed almost throughout the world. It includes many well-known vegetables particularly of temperate regions (Beans, Peas), ornamental trees in tropical regions (Bauhinia, Flamboyant, Cassia), fodder crops (Clover, Lucerne) and weeds (Vetches and Trefoils), and their growth habits vary from ground cover and aquatic to shrubs, climbers and trees. Many species of trees in this family are important for their timber. (I'm sorry, but the differences between the new families are too complicated for me, so I'm lumping them all together under the old name Leguminosae) CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT FAMILY: Leaves, Stem & Roots ~ The leaves of this plant family are placed alternately up the stem, and are pinnate or bipinnate. In some species, the leaves are able to close together at night (nyctinasty), and in some species of Mimosa they close when touched. The roots are one of the most easily recognisable features of this plant family. Most species have irregular nodules on the roots which enable the plant to absorb nitrogen from the air in the soil and convert it into the nitrogen the plant needs for growth. This enables the species to grow and produce crops in poor soil. Flowers ~ Many members of the Leguminosae family have flowers of the typical 'pea' type. These are composed of one large back petal (the standard), two side petals called wings and two lower petals fused

together to form a 'keel'. In members of the family which have other flower shapes, there are still five petals. The flowers may occur individually, or in large clusters. Recently, the international panel of botanists who rule on these things decided that all plant families ought to have the same ending (-aceae), and be named after a plant typical of the family. This has resulted in several groups which were previously sub-families of the Leguminosae being elevated to family status. These new plant families include Caesalpiniaceae, Fabaceae and Papilionaceae. The differences which separate the members of these new families may be unidentifiable to the non-botanist, and the similarities which they share as members of the Leguminosae family are still the easiest way to identify these plants. Seeds ~ It is the seedpods that give this family its original name. The typical pea-pod shape is a legume. It is always a single chamber, although it may be constricted between the individual seeds. The pod may contain just one or several seeds, and they are usually large, and sometimes brightly coloured. The coat of the individual seed is often watertight. Each seed contains a large embryo and little endosperm, so they often germinate quickly once the seedcoat is punctured. (Click here for more information and examples of seedpods in this Family.) Members of this Family usually have: Pea flowers Nodules on the roots Pinnate leaves Seeds in pods like peas or beans

Characteristics of Fabaceae/Legumonoceae trees, shrubs or herbs leaves often compound leaflets with entire margins stamens numerous to 10, diadelphous in papilionaceous flowers carpel 1 (per flower) legume or loment The Fabaceae or Leguminosae, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, are a large and economically important family of flowering plants. The group is the third-largest land plant family, behind only the Orchidaceae and Asteraceae, with 730 genera and over 19,400 species.[4] The largest genera are Astragalus (over 2,400 species), Acacia (over 950 species), Indigofera (around 700 species), Crotalaria (around 700 species), and Mimosa (around 500 species). Plants of this family are found throughout the world, growing in many different environments and climates. A number are important agricultural and food plants, including Glycine max (soybean), Phaseolus (beans), Pisum sativum (pea), Cicer arietinum (chickpeas), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Ceratonia siliqua (carob), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). A number of species are also weedy pests in different parts of the world, including: Cytisus scoparius (broom), Ulex europaeus (gorse), Pueraria lobata (kudzu), and a number of Lupinus species.

Contents
[hide]

1 Etymology 2 Distribution 3 Taxonomy 4 Description o 4.1 Roots o 4.2 Leaves o 4.3 Flowers o 4.4 Fruit 5 Evolution 6 Uses 7 Genera 8 Image gallery 9 References 10 External links

[edit] Etymology
The name 'Fabaceae' comes from the defunct genus Faba, now included in Vicia. The term "faba" comes from Latin, and appears to simply mean "bean".[5] Leguminosae is an older name still considered valid,[6] and refers to the fruit of these plants, which are called legumes.

[edit] Distribution
The Fabaceae have an essentially worldwide distribution, being found everywhere except Antarctica and the high arctic.[4]

[edit] Taxonomy
The Fabaceae are placed in the order Fabales according to most taxonomic systems, including the APG III system. The family includes three subfamilies:

Mimosoideae: 80 genera and 3,200 species. Mostly tropical and warm temperate Asia and America. Mimosa, Acacia. Caesalpinioideae:[7] 170 genera and 2,000 species, cosmopolitan. Caesalpinia, Senna, Bauhinia, Amherstia. Faboideae: 470 genera and 14,000 species, cosmopolitan. Astragalus, Lupinus.

These three subfamilies have been alternatively treated at the family level, as in the Cronquist and Dahlgren systems. However, this choice has not been supported by late 20th and early 21st

century evidence, which has shown the Caesalpinioideae to be paraphyletic and the Fabaceae sensu lato to be monophyletic.[8] While the Mimosoideae and the Faboideae are largely monophyletic, the Caesalpinioideae appear to be paraphyletic[1][8] and the tribe Cercideae is probably sister to the rest of the family.[1][8] Moreover, there are a number of genera whose placement into the Caesalpinioideae is not always agreed on (e.g. Dimorphandra).

[edit] Description

The fruit of Gymnocladus dioicus

Fabaceae range in habit from giant trees (like Koompassia excelsa) to small annual herbs, with the majority being herbaceous perennials. Plants have indeterminate inflorescences, which are sometimes reduced to a single flower. The flowers have a short hypanthium and a single carpel with a short gynophore, and after fertilization produce fruits that are legumes.
[edit] Roots Main article: Root nodule

Many Fabaceae host bacteria in their roots within structures called root nodules. These bacteria, known as rhizobia, have the ability to take nitrogen gas (N2) out of the air and convert it to a form of nitrogen that is usable to the host plant ( NO3- or NH3 ). This process is called nitrogen fixation. The legume, acting as a host, and rhizobia, acting as a provider of usable nitrate, form a symbiotic relationship.

[edit] Leaves

The leaves are usually alternate and compound. Most often they are even- or odd-pinnately compound (e.g. Caragana and Robinia respectively), often trifoliate (e.g. Trifolium, Medicago) and rarely palmately compound (e.g. Lupinus), in the Mimosoideae and the Caesalpinioideae commonly bipinnate (e.g. Acacia, Mimosa). They always have stipules, which can be leaf-like (e.g. Pisum), thorn-like (e.g. Robinia) or be rather inconspicuous. Leaf margins are entire or, occasionally, serrate. Both the leaves and the leaflets often have wrinkled pulvini to permit nastic movements. In some species, leaflets have evolved into tendrils (e.g. Vicia). Many species have leaves with structures that attract ants that protect the plant from herbivore insects (a form of mutualism). Extrafloral nectaries are common among the Mimosoideae and the Caesalpinioideae, and are also found in some Faboideae (e.g. Vicia sativa). In some Acacia, the modified hollow stipules are inhabited by ants and are known as domatia.
[edit] Flowers

A flower of Wisteria sinensis, Faboideae. Two petals have been removed to show stamens and pistil

The flowers often have five generally fused sepals and five free petals. They are generally hermaphrodite, and have a short hypanthium, usually cup shaped. There are normally ten stamens and one elongated superior ovary, with a curved style. They are usually arranged in indeterminate inflorescences. Fabaceae are typically entomophilous plants (i.e. they are pollinated by insects), and the flowers are usually showy to attract pollinators. In the Caesalpinioideae, the flowers are often zygomorphic, as in Cercis, or nearly symmetrical with five equal petals in Bauhinia. The upper petal is the innermost one, unlike in the Faboideae. Some species, like some in the genus Senna, have asymmetric flowers, with one of the lower petals larger than the opposing one, and the style bent to one side. The calyx, corolla, or stamens can be showy in this group.

In the Mimosoideae, the flowers are actinomorphic and arranged in globose inflorescences. The petals are small and the stamens, which can be more than just 10, have long, coloured filaments, which are the most showy part of the flower. All of the flowers in an inflorescence open at once. In the Faboideae, the flowers are zygomorphic, and have a specialized structure. The upper petal, called the banner, is large and envelops the rest of the petals in bud, often reflexing when the flower blooms. The two adjacent petals, the wings, surround the two bottom petals. The two bottom petals are fused together at the apex (remaining free at the base), forming a boat-like structure called the keel. The stamens are always ten in number, and their filaments can be fused in various configurations, often in a group of nine stamens plus one separate stamen. Various genes in the CYCLOIDEA (CYC)/DICHOTOMA (DICH) family are expressed in the upper (also called dorsal or adaxial) petal; in some species, such as Cadia, these genes are expressed throughout the flower, producing a radially symmetrical flower.[9]
[edit] Fruit Main article: Legume

Legume of Vicia angustifolia

The ovary most typically develops into a legume. A legume is a simple dry fruit that usually dehisces (opens along a seam) on two sides. A common name for this type of fruit is a "pod", although that can also be applied to a few other fruit types. A few species have evolved samarae, loments, follicles, indehiscent legumes, achenes, drupes, and berries from the basic legume fruit

Umbelliferae
Calyx

None.
Corolla

Tubular florets gamopetalous, 5-lobed, epigynous, yellow; ligulate florets, gamopetalous, 3lobed, epigynous, ligule white.
Andrcecium

In disk florets only, syngenesious, 5, epipetalous, anther-cells simple.

Gyncecium

In ray and disk florets syncarpous, carpels 2, inferior, style 2-fid, arms linear blunt in ray florets, in disk florets short, thick, tipped with papillose cones, ovary 1-celled.
Fruit

An achene, flattened, inversely ovate, i-seeded.

Floral Formula

K(5 - o), C(5), A(5), G(/2).

Floral Diagram

(Disk floret).

Classification - Order Composite Name - Bellis perennis (Common Daisy) Floral formulae are designed to show graphically or in abbreviated form the structure of the flower. For this purpose capital initial letters indicate the part of the flower, thus: K = calyx, C = corolla, A = andrcecium, G = gynaecium. Numerals indicate the number of parts, and 00 means indefinite. If there are two whorls in any part the + sign is used. Union of parts is shown by ( ),

and adhesion of parts by ( ). Superior parts are shown by a line _ below the figure, and inferior by a line - above (see formula above). A floral diagram represents the same structure more graphically still. A flower is taken, and the parts are outlined as if seen in transverse section to show their number and relation to each other. The bract is shown in its relative position subtending the flower, as well as bracteoles, and also the axis upon which the flower is borne. A vertical section of the flower may also be drawn, in which the floral organs are sketched more or less naturally. Classification of a plant may follow the description. Such work is preliminary to a knowledge of the unit of classification, the species. Flowering plants, according to the Natural System, are called Phanerogams. This major division includes: Angiosperms - Ovules enclosed in an ovary. Gymnosperms - Ovules not enclosed in an ovary. The only native British Gymnosperms are Pine, Yew, Juniper. The Angiosperms include: Dicotyledons - 2 cotyledons, leaves net-veined, vascular bundles open. Floral organs in fives, fours, or twos. Monocotyledons - 1 cotyledon, parallel-veined leaves, vascular bundles closed, scattered. Floral organs in threes or multiples thereof. Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons are subdivided into several sub-classes, and the latter into about ninety natural orders or families (described in Vol. V). It is more difficult to acquire at once a knowledge of these on account of their number, but it should not be difficult even for the tyro to master empirically the characters of many of them without any actual acquaintance with the essential scientific characters of the order. Thus the order Ranunculaceae is not easily confused with many others (save perhaps Cistaceae or Rosaceae) owing to its distinct petals (and sepals) and hypogynous stamens. In Rosaceae the calyx is gamo-sepalous, and the stamens perigynous or epigynous. The order Cruciferae, with 4 petals arranged in cruciform order, is fairly well marked, and has uniformly 4 long and 2 short stamens. The Umbelliferae have a characteristic umbellate inflorescence, 5 sepals, petals, and stamens, and an unmistakable fruit, a schizo-carp, of 2 mericarps. It is a good plan to master a few orders at a time, and then by a process of elimination the reference of a plant to its natural order becomes less difficult. More troublesome is the knowledge of genera, the next stage in the classification of plants. Of these the British Flora contains over 500, hence a proper knowledge of these must take time. For a description of these see the summary following that of the natural orders (Vol. V). The relationship of the various divisions and lower grades of classification of plants has already been defined in Vol. I, in the preliminary remarks prefacing the analytical summary.

In studying these different groups one must again emphasize the need for learning their meaning with specimens always, where possible, beside them. When the species is being studied, in a genus consisting of more than one species (as is usually the case), this becomes most difficult. One must then make use of a good flora (as to which see advice given below). In studying plants it is almost essential to dissect the specimens to be examined. This at once gives an insight into the structure and the composition of a flower, the part especially important in classification. For this purpose should be procured a knife for cutting sections through a structure. For laying out or separating the parts of a flower, one or two teazers or needles mounted in a match or similar handle are required. A pair of fine-pointed scissors may be used for cutting out fine structures where a knife would be too clumsy. In order, when the various parts are dissected, to keep them flat when laid out on a sheet of paper, glass squares may be used as weights. To fasten the parts down when arranged as in a diagram, one may use gum, water, or other adhesive, or pins. Small structures may be studied by means of a hand-lens, and a microscope is necessary to examine pollen and small sections, the presence of very small hairs, glands, stomata, crystals, etc. For lifting very small objects a pin dipped in water or a pair of forceps may be used. Sketching materials may be employed to draw the flower before dissection, from one or more aspects, as well as after. Painting of the flower to show colour is to be encouraged. Sections, vertical and otherwise, of the flower should be drawn. For these purposes one needs a good Whatman drawing-block, or sketch-book, pencils (H., H.B., &c), and a box of good water-colour paints. In endeavouring to progress at this stage in the identification of species, two plans may be adopted, one preliminary to the other. One may first proceed from the known to the unknown. Taking a number of field specimens, gathered fresh or herbarium material, of plants known by their English names, study them, write their description, after dissection, etc. Take a flora, in the index look up the English name, and turn to the page where the plant is described. There one will learn its Latin names, discover the natural order and other groupings. Some knowledge is thus gained of the species, genus, natural order, sub-class, class, and one's own description may be compared with that of the flora. If desired, other works can be consulted in the same way, and as much learnt about the plant as possible. It should not after some practice thereafter be difficult to recognize other (unknown) plants of the same genus, order, etc, and to refer them to their proper groups.

Umbelliferae Flower

K5 Co5 S5 P
Sexuality: Symmetry: Inflorescence: Calyx (sepals): Corolla (petals): Androecium: Gynoecium: Fruit: Other features: bisexual (rarely monoecious/dioecious) Actinomorphic compound or simple umbel 5, separate and very small 5, separate, often yellow or white 5 separate stamens bicarpelate, united, inferior ovary (=epigynous), two styles that are fused at their base forming a nectar secreting disc (=stylopodium) Schizocarp

Vegetative Features
often aromatic stout, furrowed stems with hollow stem internodes Leaves: Life-history: Habit: Distribution & Ecology: alternate, usu. compound (often dissected), sheathing leaf-base, exstipulate annual to perennial herbs, rarely trees mostly temperate regions of N hemisphere

Apiaceae (=Umbelliferae)

"Carrot and Parsley Family" Dicot

Image Source: C.A.M. Lindman's Flora http://caliban.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/lindman/254.jpg

Flower Characteristics Vegetative Characteristics Other Points of Interest Flower Characteristics

Representatives Images Links

flowers in umbels, or more commonly, in compound umbels flowers regular and epigynous perianth of 5 seperate sepals and petals stamens 5 pistil with inferior ovary of 2 fused carpels floral formula: flowers usually white or yellow -schizocarp

Vegetative Characteristics

biennial or perennial herbs leaves are usually highly dissected and pinnately compound (rarely palmate) petioles usually sheathing the stem

Other Points of Interest

a large family of approximately 200 genera and 2900 species worldwide economic value as food (carrot, celery, parsnip, etc.) and for aromatic oils (anise, caraway, dill, etc.) some poisonous (poison hemlock) or weedy (wild carrot)

Representatives

Celery (Apium) Poison Hemlock (Conium) Golden Alexanders (Zizia) Salt and Pepper, Harbinger of Spring (Erigenia)