Flower Structure: The Ophrys Sphegodes
a. Is the flower complete or incomplete?
This is a complete flower. Complete flowers are those formed by chalice, corolla, androecium and gynoecium. In the case of the flower presented above, we can see that it has gynoecium because it has a stigma that is part of the gynoecium composition. We can also see that she has androecium, because she has an anther that is part of the composition of androecium. The flower also has a corolla and chalice, since the chalice is formed by the sepals and the corolla by the petals.
b. Is the flower perfect or imperfect?
This is a perfect flower, as we can see that androecium and gynoecium are present in the same flower. Imperfect flowers are those with only androecium or gynoecium.
c. Is the flower radially or bilaterally symmetrical?
The flower has bilateral symmetry, which is common in all orchids. This type of symmetry allows the flower to only be divided into two equal parts. Radial symmetry, on the other hand, allows flowers to be divided into many equal parts.
Answer and Explanation:
a. This is a complete flower. Complete flowers have all four floral parts - sepals, petals, stamens, and carpel. The presented flower, the Ophrys sphegodes, has all these parts: yellow-green sepals, petals, a single male anther, and a stigma.
b. The flower is perfect, containing both male (androecium) and female (gynoecium) reproductive parts within the same flower. Imperfect flowers lack one of these parts.
c. The flower exhibits bilateral symmetry, meaning it can be divided into two equal halves along one plane. This type of symmetry is common in orchids like the Ophrys sphegodes.
Final answer: The Ophrys sphegodes, or early spider orchid, is a complete and perfect flower that is bilaterally symmetrical, possessing all floral parts and both reproductive parts.
Explanation:
The Ophrys sphegodes or the early spider orchid is a complete flower because it possesses all four floral parts: sepals, petals, stamens (male reproductive part - anther), and carpel/pistil (female reproductive part - stigma).
The flower is also perfect, as it contains both male (anther) and female (stigma) reproductive parts within the same flower.
Regarding symmetry, the flower has bilateral symmetry, allowing it to be divided into two equal halves only along one plane. This type of symmetry is typical in orchids, including the Ophrys sphegodes.
For further information on flower structure, you can refer to relevant sources to expand your understanding.