How many petals are found in Papilionaceous /butterfly shaped corolla in family Fabaceae?

Options

A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 4

Answer

To determine how many petals are found in a papilionaceous (butterfly-shaped) corolla in the Fabaceae family, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Corolla**:
- The corolla is the second whorl of the flower, made up of petals. It serves to protect the reproductive parts of the flower, such as stamens and carpels.

2. **Identifying Papilionaceous Corolla**:
- The term "papilionaceous" refers to a specific type of corolla that resembles a butterfly. This is characteristic of the Fabaceae family.

3. **Counting the Petals**:
- A papilionaceous corolla consists of **five petals**.
- These petals are arranged in a specific manner: one large superior petal (often referred to as the "vexillum"), two lateral petals (called "wings"), and two smaller inferior petals that are often fused together (forming the "keel" or "carina").

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the total number of petals in a papilionaceous corolla in the Fabaceae family is **5**.

### Final Answer:
The number of petals found in a papilionaceous corolla in the Fabaceae family is **5**.

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