Question

Which of the following plants produce zygomorphic flowers?
A. Canna
B. Gulmohar
C. Mustard
D. Hibiscus

Answer 1

Flowers are the reproductive parts of a plant. They have four parts – calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium. Depending on the arrangement of these parts, flowers can be actinomorphic or zygomorphic. Flowers that can be divided into two similar halves by only one plane are called zygomorphic flowers.

Complete answer:
Symmetry in a flower is determined by the arrangement of its whorls. It refers to whether the flower can be cut into similar halves through a plane. Based on symmetry, flowers can be regular or irregular.
Regular flowers can be cut into mirror image halves through any plane. Such flowers are also called actinomorphic flowers.
Irregular flowers can be cut into mirror image halves only through a single plane. These flowers are also known as Zygomorphic flowers.
Gulmohar or Delonix regia belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also known as the ‘Flame of the Forest’ owing to the fiery orange red colour of its flowers. Gulmohar is endemic to the forests of Madagascar, but is grown worldwide. The wild population of this flowering plant is endangered. The flower comprises five petals, four of which are spread out and the fifth one is upright. The flowers are irregular or Zygomorphic.
Canna belongs to the family Cannaceae. This genus, that has around 10 species, are not true lilies. The flowers comprise three sepals and three petals and are asymmetrical in nature. The flowers are coloured in combination of red, orange or yellow. Canna is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Mustard belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Flowers of this family are generally Actinomorphic and bisexual. They can be arranged in racemes or corymbs. The flowers have four sepals and petals with a superior ovary. The distribution of this plant is worldwide.
Hibiscus belongs to genus Malvaceae. They are native to Africa but found in almost all parts of the world. The plants are known for their large colourful and ornamental flowers. The flowers are complete and Actinomorphic.
Therefore, to conclude, we can say that Gulmohar is a Zygomorphic flower.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Note: Flowers can be actinomorphic or zygomorphic. Actinomorphic flowers are radially symmetrical flowers, that is they can cut into equal halves by more than one plan. Zygomorphic flowers show a bilateral symmetry, that is they can be cut into equal halves only through one plane. Gulmohar is an example of a zygomorphic flower.