Question

Assertion: Helianthus flower is not a real flower
Reason: Because they are lacking the true calyx around the flower

A. Both assertion and reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation for assertion
B. Both assertion and reason are correct but the reason is not the correct explanation for assertion
C. Assertion is correct but reason is incorrect
D. Both assertion and reason are incorrect

Answer 1

Helianthus flower- Commonly known as Sunflower. In Greek (helios-sun and anthos-flower), because the sunflower turns its head toward the sun.

Complete Answer:
- The real flowers are small but the helianthus flowers have large heads (pseudanthium). A capitulum or head, the characteristic inflorescence of the sunflower. Main Axis becomes flat and called receptacle; it bears many sessile and small florets. The calyx is modified into scale leaf.
- Calyx is the outermost whorl of the flower and the members are called sepals. The sepals are generally green leaf like structures that protect the flowers in the bud stage; the calyx may be gamosepalous (sepal United) or polysepalous ( sepals free).

Thus, the correct option is C) assertion is correct but reason is incorrect.

Additional information:
- There are four whorls present in a flower are calyx, corolla, androecium, gynoecium. The calyx and Corolla are non essential accessory organs and androecium and gynoecium at the reproductive organs of a flower.
- Depending upon the position of Calyx, Corolla, androecium in respect of the ovary on the thalamus the flower can be hypogynous, perigynous and epigynous.

Note: The characteristics of a real flowers are,
- They contain four types of floral leaves - sepals, stamen, carpels and petals.
- They are small in size unlike Helianthus.
- They do not have a flat receptacle.