Which of the following plant has a superior ovary?
China rose
— Concept: This question tests your understanding of flower morphology, specifically the position of the ovary relative…Concept: This question tests your understanding of flower morphology, specifically the position of the ovary relative to other floral parts, which determines if it's superior, inferior, or half-inferior.
Why (C) China rose is correct: In a superior ovary, the ovary is positioned above the attachment point of the other floral parts (sepals, petals, stamens). These parts are attached below the ovary. This condition is characteristic of hypogynous flowers. China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a classic example of a flower with a superior ovary.
Why other options are wrong:
- (A) Peach: Peach has a superior ovary, but the question asks for 'the' plant, implying one correct answer among the choices. However, China rose is a more commonly cited example in textbooks for this specific characteristic.
- (B) Guava: Guava has an inferior ovary, where the ovary is embedded below the attachment point of the other floral parts.
- (D) Rose: Rose has a half-inferior (or perigynous) ovary, where the ovary is partially embedded, and the other floral parts arise from the rim of a cup-shaped thalamus surrounding the ovary.
Common Mistake: Students often confuse the terms hypogynous, perigynous, and epigynous, which describe the position of floral parts relative to the ovary.
NEET Tip: Remember the examples for each type: Superior (Hypogynous): Mustard, China rose, Brinjal. Inferior (Epigynous): Guava, Cucumber, Ray florets of sunflower. Half-inferior (Perigynous): Plum, Peach, Rose.
Correct Answer: (C)
China rose