Write a short note on fourth whorl of a flower.

Solution:

The gynoecium (pistil) is the female reproductive whorl composed of one or more carpels.

Structure of a Carpel:

1. Stigma:

• Receptive surface for pollen grains
• Often sticky or feathery
• Located at tip of style

1. Style:

• Tube-like structure connecting stigma and ovary
• Conducts pollen tube to ovary
• May be long, short, or absent

1. Ovary:

• Basal swollen part containing ovules
• Matures into fruit after fertilization
• Contains placenta (ovule-bearing region)
• May be unilocular or multilocular

Types Based on Carpel Fusion:

• Apocarpous: Carpels free (michelia, lotus)
• Syncarpous: Carpels fused (mustard, tomato)