Practice question
Question
Perianth with tepals is characteristic of
Explanation
Liliaceae exhibits homochlamydeous perianth where calyx and corolla are not distinguishable morphologically, segments called tepals, typically petaloid, six arranged in two trimerous whorls 3+3 forming perigonium, polyphyllous or slightly gamophyllous with valvate aestivation. This condition reflects monocot ancestry where differentiation into sepals and petals secondarily reduced. Fabaceae shows clear papilionaceous C with standard wings keel, Solanaceae gamosepalous and gamopetalous K(5) C(5), Brassicaceae 4 sepals and 4 petals. Presence of conspicuous coloured tepals hence diagnostically identifies lily, tulip, Gloriosa and Allium as lilioid monocots.