Epicalyx is a characteristic of Malvaceae. It is

Options

A. a whorl of bracts
B. additional whorl of calyx like organs
C. involucre
D. a whorl of corolla

Answer

To answer the question "Epicalyx is a characteristic of Malvaceae. It is:", we will analyze the options provided and determine the correct definition of epicalyx.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Epicalyx**:
- Epicalyx is a term used in botany, specifically in the study of flowering plants (angiosperms). It refers to a structure associated with the flower.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: A whirl of brackets**: This option suggests that epicalyx is a whorl of brackets. However, this is not accurate as epicalyx is not simply a whorl of brackets.
- **Option 2: An additional whorl of calyx-like organs**: This option states that epicalyx is an additional whorl of calyx-like organs. This is correct because epicalyx consists of modified bracts that resemble calyx structures.
- **Option 3: An involucre**: Involucre refers to a structure that is found in inflorescences, not flowers. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- **Option 4: A whirl of corolla**: This option suggests that epicalyx is a whorl of petals (corolla). This is also incorrect as epicalyx is not related to the petals.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- After analyzing all the options, we find that **Option 2: An additional whorl of calyx-like organs** is the correct definition of epicalyx. It consists of modified bracts that are located at the base of the flower.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that epicalyx is an additional whorl of calyx-like organs.