Question

Write the floral formula and two economic uses for plants in the Solanaceae family.

Hint:

Solanaceae flowers are typically pentamerous with fused petals and epipetalous stamens — a key identification feature in botany exams.

Answer 1

Concept: Solanaceae, commonly known as the potato family, includes many agriculturally and medicinally important plants such as potato, tomato, brinjal, and tobacco. Members are mostly herbs or shrubs with characteristic floral features. 
Floral Formula of Solanaceae: \[ \ast \, K(5)\, C(5)\, A5\, G(2) \] Explanation: 
\( \ast \) = Actinomorphic (radial symmetry) 
\( K(5) \) = Five united sepals (gamosepalous) 
\( C(5) \) = Five united petals (gamopetalous) 
\( A5 \) = Five stamens (epipetalous) 
\( G(2) \) = Bicarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium 
Ovary: Superior 
Economic Uses of Solanaceae Plants: 
Food Crops: Plants like potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and brinjal (Solanum melongena) are widely consumed vegetables rich in nutrients. 
Medicinal and Industrial Uses: Some members contain alkaloids used in medicines (e.g., belladonna). Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is used in industry for nicotine extraction.