The Guide Biology Classes

Biological Description of Black Cardamom Flower (Amomum subulatum)

1. Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Angiosperms

Class: Monocotyledons

Order: Zingiberales

Family: Zingiberaceae

Genus: Amomum

Species: Amomum subulatum

2. Floral Structure:

Inflorescence: Spike-like raceme emerging from the rhizome near the ground.

Flower Color: Whitish to pale pink with a yellow-orange labellum marked with red or purple streaks.

Symmetry: Zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry).

Number of Sepals: 3, fused, forming a tubular calyx.

Number of Petals: 3, with one modified into a large, showy labellum (lip).

Stamens: One functional stamen with a petaloid appendage (two stamens are reduced to staminodes).

O***y: Inferior, trilocular (three-chambered).

Style: Single, passing through the filamentous anther.

Placentation: Axile placentation.

3. Floral Formula:

⚥ ↑ K(3) C(2+1) A1 G(3̅)

Explanation:

⚥ – Bisexual flower (both stamens and carpels present).

↑ – Zygomorphic symmetry.

K(3) – Three fused sepals forming a tubular structure.

C(2+1) – Three petals, with two forming a lateral structure and one forming a labellum.

A1 – One fertile stamen (androecium), while others are reduced to staminodes.

G(3̅) – Inferior o***y with three fused carpels.

4. Pollination and Fruit Development:

Pollination is mostly entomophilous (insect-mediated), primarily by bees.

The flowers develop into capsule-like fruits, which turn reddish-brown to black upon maturation.

The dried fruit is used as a spice known as black cardamom.

This floral structure is adapted for attracting pollinators and ensuring effective reproduction.

Would you like more details on its reproductive biology or economic importance?