Difference between Involucral Bract, Calyx and Indumentum - Testbook.com
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Involucral Bract
An involucral bract is a type of specialized leaf that is found at the base of a plant's inflorescence. These types of bracts are usually less noticeable and are common in flowering plants such as the families of Apiaceae and Asteraceae.
Involucral bracts can be recognized by their unique colors and shapes, which differentiate them from petals and sepals. Their main function is to attract pollinators to the plant.
Calyx
The term "calyx" refers to the collective group of sepals on a plant. These are usually green and can be confused with leaves. The primary function of the calyx is to protect the petals during their development.
Indumentum
The indumentum of a plant refers to the covering of trichomes, or hair-like structures, on the plant. This covering serves various purposes, such as supporting climbing plants, controlling water loss, reflecting sunlight, and catching insects.
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Comparing Involucral Bract, Calyx, and Indumentum
| Involucral Bract | Calyx | Indumentum |
| Description | ||
|
A specialized leaf located at the base of the inflorescence. |
The collective term for the sepals of a plant. |
A covering of trichomes on a plant. |
|
Location |
||
|
Found at the base of the inflorescence. |
Located beneath the petals. |
Found on the stems of plants. |
|
Function |
||
|
Attracts pollinators . |
Protects the developing petals. |
Assists in anchoring, controlling water loss, and trapping insects. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bract and calyx?
Calyx is the essential whorl of sepals present beneath the whorl of petals, whereas a bract is a modified leaf structure that is seen on flower, cone scale or inflorescence axis.
What is the difference between bract and epicalyx?
A bract is a modified leaf structure found on flower or cones, whereas an epicalyx is a whorl of bracts found as an additional layer around the calyx.
Mention the types of bracts.
The nine types of bracts are: i) Leafy or Foliaceous Bract ii) Petaloid Bract iii) Spathe Bract iv) Involucral Bract v) Scaly Bract vi) Cupule vii) Epicalyx viii) Glume and ix) Lemma and Palea.