What is the Difference Between Polyandrous and Polyadelphous Androecium?

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The difference between polyandrous and polyadelphous androecium lies in the arrangement of the filaments of the stamens in a flower.

  • Polyandrous Androecium: In this type of androecium, the filaments of the stamens are free, meaning they are not fused together. Both the anthers and filaments are free, and there are numerous stamens in the flower. An example of a plant with polyandrous androecium is Corchorus.
  • Polyadelphous Androecium: In this type of androecium, the filaments of the stamens are united in several groups, meaning they are fused together. However, the anthers remain free. Examples of plants with polyadelphous androecium include Ricinus and Citrus.

In summary, the key difference between polyandrous and polyadelphous androecium is that in polyandrous androecium, the filaments of the stamens are free, while in polyadelphous androecium, the filaments of the stamens are united in several groups.

Comparative Table: Polyandrous vs Polyadelphous Androecium

The difference between polyandrous and polyadelphous androecium lies in the structure and arrangement of the stamens within the flower. Stamens are the pollen-producing reproductive organs of a flower, and they consist of a stalk called the filament and an anther attached to the filament. Here is a table comparing the two types of androecium:

Characteristic Polyandrous Androecium Polyadelphous Androecium
Stamen Filaments Free and not fused United in several groups
Anthers Both anthers and filaments are free Filaments of stamen are fused with each other, but their anthers remain free
Examples Corchorus Ricinus, Citrus

In polyandrous androecium, the filaments of the stamens are free, while in polyadelphous androecium, the filaments of the stamens are united in several groups.