Question

Epigynous flower is one in which

• A. Ovary is superior and other floral parts are inferior
• B. Ovary is inferior and other floral parts are superior
• C. All the floral parts are at the same level
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The terms hypogynous, perigynous, and epigynous describe the position of the floral whorls (sepals, petals, stamens) relative to the ovary on the receptacle.

• Hypogynous Flower: The sepals, petals, and stamens are inserted below the ovary. The ovary is said to be superior.
• Perigynous Flower: The sepals, petals, and stamens are inserted on the rim of a floral cup (hypanthium) that surrounds the ovary but is not fused to it. The ovary is still typically considered superior (or sometimes half-inferior), but the other parts arise around it.
• Epigynous Flower:

 The epigynous flower:

• The margin of the thalamus grows upward, completely enclosing the ovary.
• The wall of the thalamus is fused with the wall of the ovary.
• The other floral parts (sepals, petals, stamens) appear to arise from the top of the ovary.
• Ovary is superior and other floral parts are inferior: This describes a hypogynous flower.
• Ovary is inferior and other floral parts are superior: This correctly describes an epigynous flower.
• All the floral parts are at the same level: This loosely describes a perigynous flower where parts arise from a rim around the ovary.
• None of the above: Incorrect, as the second option is correct.

Answer 2

In an epigynous flower, the ovary is inferior (located below other floral parts), and the other floral parts (such as petals, sepals, and stamens) are superior (situated above the ovary). This type of flower has a "half-inferior" ovary, meaning the other floral parts appear to arise from above the ovary.

Thus, the correct answer is (B) : Ovary is inferior and other floral parts are superior.