Question

Gloriosa superba exhibits
A) Heterostyly
B) Self sterility
C) Herkogamy
D) Cleistogamy

Answer 1

Gloriosa superba, also known as climbing lily is a monocot plant in the family Colchicaceae. They are examples of climbers, as they make use of their tendrils and climb up.

Complete answer:
Let's have a look through the options for the correct answer.

Option A : Heterostyly is a form of polymorphism to reduce self pollination by having flowers with different heights of styles and stamens. Heterostyly is not found gloriosa. Primrose and jasmine are examples for plants showing heterostyly. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B : When a plant is unable to perform self fertilisation by preventing the pollen to fertilize the same flower or other flowers on the same plant, because of the inhibition of pollen germination on pistil, is termed as self sterility. Self sterility is not seen in gloriosa. Potato, tobacco etc are some examples for plants showing self sterility. Therefore, this is the incorrect answer.
Option C: Herkogamy is the phenomenon of having male and female are in different positions in the same plants. It is a mechanism of flowers to encourage cross pollination over self pollination. Gloriosa superba exhibits herkogamy. Corokia cotoneaster is another plant showing herkogamy. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
Option D : Cleistogamy is a phenomenon which is commonly seen in plants like viola and pea, is a type of self fertilization that occurs within a closed flower to prevent cross pollination. Gloriosa does not show cleistogamy. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is (C) Herkogamy.

Note: In Gloriosa superba, flower structure is such that inspite of being bisexual the pollen grains are not able to reach the stigma. Dichogamy, protandry, herkogamy etc. are some of the mechanisms which helps in preventing self pollination in flowers.