Types of ovary - SS2 Biology Lesson Note

In botanical terms, the type of ovary refers to the specific arrangement of the ovary within a flower. The ovary is the enlarged basal part of the female reproductive organ (pistil or carpel) that contains the ovules and eventually develops into the fruit after fertilization. There are three main types of ovaries based on their position in the flower:

1.       Superior Ovary: A superior ovary is located above the attachment point of other floral parts (sepals, petals, and stamens). In this type, the sepals, petals, and stamens appear to be attached below the ovary. The ovary is said to be "above" or "superior" to these other flower parts. Most fruits that develop from a superior ovary are known as true fruits. Examples of flowers with superior ovaries include apples, cherries, and strawberries.

2.       Inferior Ovary: An inferior ovary is located below the attachment point of other floral parts. In this case, the sepals, petals, and stamens appear to be attached above the ovary. The ovary is said to be "below" or "inferior" to these other flower parts. Fruits that develop from an inferior ovary are often called false fruits or pseudocarps because they contain not only the ovary but also other floral parts that have grown and fused with the ovary. Examples of flowers with inferior ovaries include tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins.

3.       Half-Inferior or Semi-Inferior Ovary: In some flowers, the ovary is positioned partially below and partially above the point of attachment of other floral parts. These types of ovaries are called half-inferior or semi-inferior ovaries. The ovary is neither fully above nor fully below the attachment point. Fruits that develop from half-inferior ovaries can exhibit characteristics of both true fruits and false fruits. An example of a flower with a half-inferior ovary is the passion fruit.

 

The classification of ovaries into these types helps botanists and plant scientists in understanding the reproductive structures of various plant species and their evolutionary relationships.