Question

Flower of okra generally have _________.

• A. Five united petals
• B. Five separate petals
• C. Four united petals
• D. Four separate petals

Hint:

Members of the family Malvaceae (such as okra, cotton, and hibiscus) are characterized by:
1. A monadelphous staminal tube surrounding the style.
2. Five separate petals (polypetalous) that are basally fused to the staminal column.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), commonly known as bhindi, is an important warm-season vegetable crop belonging to the family Malvaceae.
The floral biology and structure of Malvaceae members follow a distinct, standardized botanical formula.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The flowers of okra are large, showy, and solitary, arising in the axils of the leaves.
- They are pentamerous (having parts in fives).
- The corolla of the okra flower consists of five separate (polypetalous) petals that are creamy-yellow to yellow in color, with a deep red or purple spot at the base of each petal claw.
- Although the petals are separate at their upper margins, they are slightly adnate (fused) at their very base to the staminal tube (which is formed by the fusion of numerous stamens), which is a classic diagnostic feature of the family Malvaceae.
- Thus, the petals are structurally described as five separate petals.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The flower of okra generally has five separate petals (Option B).