Inferior ovary

Inferior Ovary is a term used in botany to describe a specific type of ovary placement within a flower. This type of ovary is situated below the attachment of other floral parts, a characteristic that distinguishes it from a superior ovary, which is attached above the other floral parts.

Overview

In an inferior ovary, the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached to the top of the ovary. This is a key characteristic of flowers in the families Rosaceae, Umbelliferae, and Leguminosae. The presence of an inferior ovary is a diagnostic feature of many angiosperms and is used in plant taxonomy to help classify different species.

Morphology

The inferior ovary is enclosed by the receptacle and is often partially or wholly fused with the flower's other parts. This fusion can result in the formation of a hypanthium, a cup-shaped structure that can be seen in many flowers with inferior ovaries.

Function

The inferior ovary plays a crucial role in plant reproduction. It houses the ovules that, after fertilization, develop into seeds. The ovary itself, post-fertilization, develops into a fruit, which serves to protect the seeds and aid in their dispersal.

See also

• Superior ovary
• Half-inferior ovary
• Plant morphology
• Flower