Question

Are all flowers symmetrical?

Answer 1

The notion of symmetry is also used in botany. A flower is known to be symmetrical when each whorl has an equal number of parts or when any one whorl is multiplied to precede it. As a result, a symmetrical flower can consist of five sepals, five petals, five stamens and five carpels or they can be multiple of five for these parts of the plant. Flowers have three kinds of symmetry which are asymmetry, mono-symmetry, and poly-symmetry.

Complete answer:
No, all flowers are not symmetrical. The flowers have three symmetries which are asymmetry, mono-symmetry, and poly- symmetry. Following symmetries are discussed below: -
1. Asymmetry: Some plants do not have flowers which have any symmetry. Some examples of asymmetrical flowers are valeriana officinalis and canna indica.
2. Mono-symmetry: Those flowers who have symmetry in a single plane. They are also known as zygomorphic or bilateral flowers. These flowers can be divided into two equal parts only by passing a single line from the middle of the flower. If any other lines pass through it then it will not give equal to the flowers. For example: orchids.
3. Poly-symmetry: These flowers can have multiple planes of symmetry. These kinds of flowers are also known as radial or actinomorphic flowers. These flowers can have 3 or 4 identical planes. In each sector of flowers they might have one petal and sepal.

Note:
In asymmetry, it permits pollen to gather on certain locations on pollinating insects and it can result in evolution of the species. Oleander is a type of radial symmetry, and it does not have such mirror planes. Because it is not possible in such flowers to divide them in the same longitudinal lines going through the axis.