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 or butterfly-shaped corolla in the family Fabaceae, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Term "Papilionaceous":**
- The term "Papilionaceous" is derived from the Latin word "papilio," which means butterfly. This indicates that the flower has a shape resembling that of a butterfly.

2. **Identify the Characteristics of Papilionaceous Flowers:**
- Papilionaceous flowers are known for their irregular shape and bilateral symmetry. This means that if you were to draw a line down the middle, both halves would mirror each other.

3. **Count the Petals:**
- In the family Fabaceae, which includes legumes, the typical structure of a Papilionaceous flower consists of five petals. These petals are arranged in a specific pattern:
- One large upper petal (the standard),
- Two lateral petals (the wings),
- Two lower petals that are often fused (the keel).

4. **Select the Correct Answer:**
- Given the options: 3, 5, 7, or 4, the correct answer is 5.

### Final Answer:
The number of petals found in a Papilionaceous or butterfly-shaped corolla in the family Fabaceae is **5**.

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