Question

Epicalyx occurs in -
a. Cycas
b. Jowar
c. Nephrolepis
d. China rose

Answer 1

Modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis, or cone scale known as a bract. Bracts are habitually different from foliage leaves. They may be minor, larger, or of diverse color, shape, or quality. Typically, they also look unlike the parts of the flowers.

Complete answer:
The flowers of the family Malvaceae have numerous bracteoles that can differ from three bracteoles to many bracteoles. These bracteoles form a swirl of epicalyx below the calyx. Consequently, epicalyx becomes the outmost accessory whorl.

An epicalyx, which creates an additional whorl around the calyx of a single flower, is a modification of bracteoles. In other words, the epicalyx is a cluster of bracts resembling a calyx or bracteoles forming a whorl external to the calyx. It is a calyx-like additional whorl of floral appendages. They are located in the hibiscus family, Malvaceae. It can be seen in China rose.

In cycas, the caudex is cylindrical, bounded by the constant petiole bases. Jowar is a genus of blossoming plants in the family Poaceae. Nephrolepis is the genus frequently referred to as macho ferns.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Small and leaf-like structures are often located beneath a flower or inflorescence. What is frequently believed to be the petals of flowers are at times bracts. For instance, the large and vivid bracts of poinsettias or the flashy white or pink bracts of dogwood blossoms. Each separate segment of the epicalyx is known as an episepal because they look like the sepals in them.