Sepals

Definition of Sepals

Tiny green leaf like part that secures the flower.

Sepals form an important part in the flowering plants, Angiosperms
There are four major whorls of the flower, namely the calyx, corolla, androcieum and gynoecium
The sepals are the units of the calyx, which is the outermost whorl of the flower
Sepals are more prominent when the flower is in the bud stage, as they protect the bud
While blooming or flowering, the petals of the buds become large and open up
It is at this time that the sepals provide protection and support the flower from withering
After flowering, the sepals are no more required and either becomes vestigial, wither off, or get modified into thorny calyx
The sepals are important for the plant classification
The number of sepals in a flower varies according to the species
The sepals may be united as in hibiscus, tomato, cottonor separate as in Lily, Rose and Jasmine
The number of sepal indicated the merosity of the flower
The merosity of the monocot flower is three or multiple of three
In some plants the sepals and the petals of the flowers cannot be distinguished as they have the same colour and shape.For example in Tulips
Such flowersare known to have tepals, instead of sepals and petals

1) Which among the following forms the units of Calyx?

a) Pollen
b) Petals
c) Sepals
d) Corolla

Solution: (c) The sepals form the units of calyx

2) The sepals constitute ____ whorl of the flower from outside to inside

a) outermost
b) 2nd
c) 3rd
d) innermost

Solution: (a) The sepals are units of calyx that form the outermost whorl of the flower