Question

Coloured attractive structures of flower Bougainvillea are the
A. Calyx
B. Petaloid bracts
C. Foliage leaves
D. Epicalyx

Answer 1

Bougainvillea belongs to the genus of thorny ornamental vines. The attractive structure of the flower is a modified or specialized leaf especially associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis or cone scale.

Complete step by step answer: Flowers of the plant Bougainvillea appear as clusters and each cluster consists of three small flowers which is surrounded by three or six petaloid bracts that have bright colours and can be pink, magenta, red, orange, yellow or white. These structures resemble the petals but actually are not. Considering the other given options:
A. Calyx: It is the outermost flower part, also known as the outermost whorl. It consists of sepals. The main function is to protect the developing petals in the bud form and is generally green in colour.
B. Foliage leaves: It is an unspecialized leaf, which doesn’t possess well-differentiated leaf parts. Usually, it consists of a petiole and a flat lamina.
C. Epicalyx: It is a form of modified bracteoles. It has a calyx like an appearance and functions as an extra outer whorl.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: In a flower, the term whorl also known as the vertical, refers to the pattern of arrangement of the flower parts. It consists of an arrangement of leaves, sepals, petals, stamens or carpels which generate from the same point and are wrapped around the stalk. A flower devoid of any of these structures is known as an incomplete flower.