Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants Question 3
3. What type of pollination takes place in Vallisneria? [2019, Odisa]
(a) Male flowers are carried by water currents to female flowers at surface of water.
(b) Pollination occurs in submerged condition by water.
(c) Flowers emerge above surface of water and pollination occurs by insects.
(d) Flowers emerge above water surface and pollen is carried by wind.
Show Answer
Answer : a
Hints & Solutions
(a) Vallisneria shows epihydrophily. Epihydrophily involves transfer of pollen at the water surface. In Vallisneria male flowers after breakage float on the surface of water and reach the female flowers. Characteristics of hydrophilous flowers: Flowers are small and inconspicuous, Perianth and other floral parts are unwettable, Nectar and odour are absent, Pollen grains are light and unwettable due to presence of mucilage cover, and Stigma is long, sticky but unwettable. Epihydrophily can be seen in plants that are grown above the surface of water whereas the hypohydrophily can be seen in submerged plants.
