Perianto: What is and function

Perianto: What is and function

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The perianto is the name that receives the set of sterile elements that make up the floral wrapping. That this botanical terminology is not afraid of you. In this ecology article, we want to talk to you in detail of What is the perianto and its functionthat part that you know so well of flowers. Yes, indeed. The perianto is nothing more than the union of the modified leaves, known as petals and sepals that attract your attention. It is the colored area that varies, depending on the species, in form, color, size, disposition, etc. Do you feel like knowing this part of the flower better so you can continue learning a little more about the wonderful world of plants? Well, we encourage you to continue reading this article.

What is the perianto and its types

The structure formed by Modified or verticos leaves They are responsible for surrounding and protecting the sexual organs of the flower. As particularity with respect to the rest of the flowers, the perianto stands out for being sterile parts. However, this fact does not mean that they are one of the fundamental pieces for pollination. Moreover, it is precisely thanks to its colors, shapes and disposition that attracts the arrival of pollinating agents, such as insects and other animals. The perianto is made up of two parts:

  • Chalice: It is the outermost part and composed of the sepals. It is generally green and has an appearance similar to modified leaves. In addition, each assignment can have a shape or utility depending on the type of flower. From the creation of villi, to the ability to detach once the flower is completely open.
  • Corolla: Internal part of the perianto composed of the petals. Its coloration and shape is usually much more striking than that of the sepals to attract insects and other animals responsible for favoring pollination.

In addition, the perianto is one of the parts of the flower of the complete flowers that is a distinctive element for classification. Therefore, we can classify flowers in:

  • Aperiantate: Flor that lacks perianto and that have bracts to protect sexual organs. They are also known as naked or acclamdeas flowers. Examples of them are the flower of corn or the willow.
  • Periantate: Flower presented by perianto also called Flor dressed or clamidas. Most of the flowers that exist are periantate.

Also, bearing in mind that most of the flowers we know have perianto we can make another division according to the type:

  • Monoclamm: known as Flores Appeal them by having only chalice. As a general rule, sepals and petals have the same coloration.
  • Declamรญdeas: In this case, the flower has the two floral verticils, chalice and corolla, which can have the petals and sepals of the same coloration, also known as homoclammรญdeas flowers, or with differences with each other giving rise to the group of heteroclammideas.

Perianto: What is and function - what is the perianto and its types

Perianto function

The main function of the perianto is that of Protect Flower’s reproductive organsthat is, make sure that both gynece and androceo are protected from climatic changes and other external agents. However, we can also differentiate the functions of the perianto in each of its parts:

  • Chalice: It is the protective part par excellence. It is responsible for protecting the rest of verticos floravares making use, in many cases, of trichomes, tannins and other zero secretions that help to keep firm already stripe to the dangers. In many cases, the chalice presents thorns, hairs and other structures that facilitate seed protection and dispersion.
  • Corolla: Its main function is that of attract pollinators To ensure reproduction. This is achieved by a striking coloration or by the expulsion of an attractive aroma.

To learn more on this topic, we recommend you read more Ecology Verde, such as these on pollinators: what are and their importance and reproduction of plants.

Flowers with perianto

The vast majority of the flowers you know have perianto. In fact, it is normal for those who present a clear presence of sepals, petals and even tepals to help us recognize the different species. In this way we can say so much Roses, carnations or poppies They have perianto, as with the flowers of fruit trees, such as apple or orange. We also find crass plants, such as The aloewith flowers with perianto or aromatic plants, such as lavender or juniperthey also have it. Surely, many of the plants you have in your home, garden or closest park have, mostly, plants with flowers with perianto, such as the case of The geraniums, the advances, the coves or the jasmine Enter many other varieties. Even some epiphytes, such as The orchidsThey have flowers with perianto.

The easiest way to finish understanding this concept is to observe the plants you have around you to discover what type of flowers present during their flowering time. We invite you to distinguish them for yourself and thus begin to apply all this knowledge of botany in your day to day.

As you know much better what the perianto of the plants with flower is, we encourage you to continue learning about the plant kingdom and read more about the parts of the flower and its functions with this other ecology article.

If you want to read more articles similar to Perianto: What is and functionwe recommend that you enter our biology category.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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