Difference between Actinomorphic and Zygomorphic Flowers | Floral Symmetry
IMPORTANT LINKS
Understanding Floral Symmetry
Floral symmetry refers to the division of a flower's perianth - the petals, sepals and/or tepals into two or more identical parts. Flowers can be classified based on their symmetry into –
- Actinomorphic
- Zygomorphic
- Asymmetric
What is an Actinomorphic Flower?
Actinomorphic flowers, commonly found in many species, exhibit radial symmetry. This means they can be divided into two equal halves along any plane that passes through the centre. Examples include Roses and Sunflowers.
What is a Zygomorphic Flower?
Zygomorphic flowers display bilateral symmetry. These flowers can be divided into two equal halves only along a single vertical plane. Additionally, their floral parts are usually unequal in size. Examples include Sweet Pea and Snapdragon.
- 3 Live Test
- 163 Class XI Chapter Tests
- 157 Class XII Chapter Tests
Contrasting Actinomorphic and Zygomorphic Flowers
Actinomorphic Flower |
Zygomorphic Flower |
| Characterized by radial symmetry. | Exhibit bilateral symmetry. |
| A foundational characteristic of angiosperms. | A derived characteristic. |
| Can be divided into two identical sections along any plane. | Can be divided into two identical sections only along a single vertical plane. |
| Floral parts are typically equal in size. | Floral parts are usually unequal in size. |
| Known as regular flowers. | Known as irregular flowers. |
| Examples include Daisy, Petunia. | Examples include Pansy, Violet. |
Suggested Reading:
Keep exploring more interesting topics in Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a peloric flower?
It is an aberration that produces actinomorphic flowers instead of zygomorphic. The genetic control for floral symmetry lies with the cycloidea gene. Knocking out of this gene can produce peloric flowers. Example – Peloric Antirrhinum (snapdragon).
What are asymmetrical flowers?
These flowers do not show any symmetry along any plane. Examples – Canna indica (Indian shot) and the Valerian herb.
What is a tepal?
The tepals form the perianth of a flower. When the perianth is undifferentiated, it cannot be classified into petals or sepals. Thus, the term tepals are used.