Practice question

Epicalyx represents extra whorl of bract-like sepaloid appendages situated immediately beneath true calyx, frequently observed in many Malvaceae members providing double calyx appearance. In Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Alcea rosea and Gossypium herbaceum cotton, epicalyx consists of three to eight free bracteoles forming protective involucre around flower bud, often persistent, photosynthetic and contributing to fruit protection and dispersal after fertilization. Families Solanaceae characterized by persistent valvate calyx and axile placentation, Fabaceae by papilionaceous corolla, Brassicaceae by cruciform corolla without epicalyx. Presence aids identification in keys.