Floral Formula - Introduction

Description:

Floral formula is the representation of the structure of a flower with the use of numbers, letters and various symbols in a compact form. A floral formula provides information about the number of part of a flower, their arrangement and their relation with one another.

The symbols used in the representation of floral formula are −

• Br stands for bracteates.

• K stands for calyx.

• C stands for corolla.

• P stands for perianth.

• A stands for androecium.

• G stands for gynoecium.

• G stands for superior ovary.

• G stands for inferior ovary.

• ♀ stands for female.

• ♂ stands for male.

• ⚥ stands for bisexual plants.

• ⊕ stands for actinomorphic.

• % stands for zygomorphic.

Fusion in floral formula is indicated by enclosing within bracket.

Adhesion is shown by a line drawn above the symbols of the floral parts.

Clayx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium is drawn as successive whorls, calyx being the outer most and gynoecium being the inner most.