NEETBotanyMorphology of Flowering Plants
What is the meaning of vexillary or papilionaceous aestivation?
Options
- AWhen the margins of sepals or petals overlap one another but not in any particular direction
- BWhen sepals or petals overlap one another in a particular direction
- CWhen the largest petal overlaps the two lateral petals which in turn overlap the two smallest anterior petals
- DWhen sepals or petals just touch one another at the margin, without overlapping
Correct answer
C. When the largest petal overlaps the two lateral petals which in turn overlap the two smallest anterior petals
Step-by-step solution
The mode of arrangement of sepals or petals in floral bud with respect to the other members of the same whorl is known as aestivation. The main types of aestivation are valvate, twisted, imbricate and vexillary (Figure 5.11). When sepals or petals in a whorl just touch one another at the margin, without overlapping, as in Calotropis, it is said to be valvate. If one margin of the appendage overlaps that of the next one and so on as in china rose, lady’s finger and cotton, it is called twisted. If the margins of sep