How does Brassica flower is different from that of Hibiscus?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Certainly! Here’s a clear comparison between the flowers of Brassica and Hibiscus, followed by a detailed explanation:
Correct Answer:
Brassica flower is a typical cruciferous flower with 4 petals arranged in a cross shape (cruciform), 6 stamens (tetradynamous: 4 long and 2 short), and a superior ovary. The flower is small, actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), and has a simple floral structure.
Hibiscus flower is large, showy, and has 5 petals that are free and not arranged in a cross shape. It has numerous stamens that are fused into a staminal tube surrounding the style. The ovary is superior, and the flower is also actinomorphic but more complex and conspicuous than Brassica.
Explanation (about 300 words):
The flowers of Brassica and Hibiscus belong to different families and show distinct structural differences, which reflect their adaptation and evolutionary lineage.
Brassica, belonging to the family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae), exhibits a typical cruciferous flower structure. It is characterized by having four petals arranged at right angles, forming a cross or “cruciform” shape. This unique arrangement is the key identifying feature of Brassica flowers. The flowers are generally small and less conspicuous. Brassica has six stamens, but the stamens are tetradynamous — meaning there are four long stamens and two shorter ones. This specific stamen arrangement is typical of Brassicaceae family members. The ovary is superior, and the flower is actinomorphic, meaning it is radially symmetrical and can be divided into equal halves through multiple planes.
In contrast, Hibiscus, a member of the family Malvaceae, has a very different floral structure. The flowers are large, bright, and showy, designed to attract pollinators like bees and birds. They have five distinct petals that are free (not fused) and are arranged symmetrically but not in a cruciform pattern. A hallmark of Hibiscus flowers is the presence of numerous stamens that are fused by their filaments into a single column or tube (called the staminal column) surrounding the style. This structure is quite different from the free stamens in Brassica. The ovary is also superior, and the flower is actinomorphic but much more elaborate and conspicuous compared to Brassica.
These differences reflect the pollination strategies and evolutionary adaptations: Brassica flowers are adapted for generalist pollination with simpler flowers, while Hibiscus flowers have evolved to attract specific pollinators with large, colorful, and structurally complex flowers.