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Hypanthium
Hypanthium
Hypanthium
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In a pomegranate flower, Punica granatum, the petals, except for their fused bases, soon fall. The hypanthium with sepal lobes and stamens still attached develops to form the outer layer of the fruit.

In angiosperms, a hypanthium or floral cup[1][2][3] is a structure where basal portions of the calyx, the corolla, and the stamens form a cup-shaped tube. It is sometimes called a floral tube, a term that is also used for corolla tube and calyx tube.[4] It often contains the nectaries of the plant. It is present in many plant families, although varies in structural dimensions and appearance.[5] This differentiation between the hypanthium in particular species is useful for identification. Some geometric forms are obconic shapes, as in toyon (Heteromeles), whereas some are saucer-shaped, as in Mitella caulescens.

Its presence is diagnostic of many families, including the Rosaceae, Grossulariaceae, and Fabaceae. In some cases, it can be so deep, with such a narrow top, that the flower can appear to have an inferior ovary – the ovary is below the other attached floral parts. The hypanthium is known by different common names in differing species. In the eucalypts, it is referred to as the gum nut; in roses it is called the hip.

Variations in plant species

[edit]
Ovary superior to hypanthium
In Spiraea, the hypanthium supports a nectar-producing "disk" which is ring-shaped and may have lobes as it does here. The stamens arise between the petals and the disk.
Hypanthium in Rosa
Narcissus pseudonarcissus, showing from the upper bend to the tip of the flower: spathe, ovary, hypanthium, tepals, corona

In myrtles, the hypanthium can either surround the ovary loosely or tightly; in some cases, it can be fused to the walls of the ovary. It can vary in length. The rims around the outside of the hypanthium contain the calyx lobes or free sepals, petals and either the stamen or multiple stamen that are attached at one or two points.

The flowers of the rose family (Rosaceae) always have some type of hypanthium or at least a floral cup from which the sepals, petals and stamens all arise, which is lined with tissue known as nectaries, which produce nectar, a sweet substance that attracts to the flower birds and bees, which receive pollen from the lining of the hypanthium, subsequently transferring it to the next flower they visit, usually a neighbouring plant, facilitating pollination.[6]

The stamens borne on the hypanthium are the pollen-producing reproductive organs of the flower. The hypanthium helps in many ways with the reproduction pathways of most plants. It provides weather protection and a medium to sustain the lost pollen, increasing the probability of fertility and cross-pollination.[7] The retained pollen can then attach to pollinators such as birds, bees, moths, beetles, bats, butterflies and other animals. Wind can act as an instigator for fertilisation. The hypanthium is also an adaptive feature for structural support. It helps the stem fuse with the flower, in turn strengthening the bond and overall stability and integrity.[8]

References

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Bibliography

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Hypanthium

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from Grokipedia
A hypanthium is a cup-like or tubular structure in the flowers of certain angiosperms, formed by the fusion (adnation) of the bases of the sepals, petals, and stamens to the underlying receptacle. This floral cup can vary in shape, from short and shallow to elongated and tubular, and it typically surrounds or elevates the , which may be superior or inferior depending on the extent of fusion. The primary function of the hypanthium is to provide a structural platform for the and androecium, often enabling the containment of to attract pollinators such as and birds. This enhances in diverse habitats and is particularly prominent in families like (e.g., roses and apples), where it forms a distinctive floral , and (e.g., evening primroses), where it often extends as a tube. Taxonomically, the presence, form, and fusion extent of the hypanthium serve as key diagnostic features for classifying genera and families within the angiosperms. In fruit development, the hypanthium frequently contributes accessory tissues, maturing into fleshy or dry structures that aid , as seen in the fruits of where it fuses with the wall. Its evolutionary significance lies in promoting specialized pollination syndromes and diverse fruit types, underscoring its role in angiosperm diversification.

Definition and Morphology

Definition

In angiosperms, a hypanthium is a cup-shaped or tubular floral structure formed by the fusion (adnation) of the basal portions of the calyx, corolla, and stamens, typically occurring in perigynous or epigynous flowers where it supports or encloses the reproductive organs. This structure arises from the concerted growth and coalescence of these floral whorls at their bases, creating an expanded platform or enclosure that distinguishes it from more primitive floral configurations. Unlike a simple receptacle, which consists solely of the enlarged apical portion of the floral axis serving as an attachment point for separate organs, the hypanthium specifically involves the fusion of (calyx and corolla) and androecium () bases, often resulting in a more integrated and protective enclosure around the . In perigynous flowers, the hypanthium forms a rim around a superior , whereas in epigynous flowers, it adheres to an inferior embedded within it. The term "hypanthium" originates from New Latin, from "hypo-" (under) + "anthion" ( of "anthos," flower), coined in the mid-19th century.

Anatomical Components

The hypanthium arises from the adnation, or fusion, of the basal portions of the calyx (sepals), corolla (petals), and androecium (stamens), forming a cuplike or tubular structure that surrounds or elevates the . This fusion often incorporates tissue from the floral receptacle, contributing to the overall structure, as observed in families like . Morphologically, the hypanthium displays diverse shapes, such as obconic, saucer-shaped, bowl-shaped, or tubular, adapting to the flower's architecture across taxa. Surface textures vary significantly, ranging from glabrous (smooth and hairless) to pubescent (covered in hairs) or glandular (bearing secretory glands), which can influence interactions or environmental adaptation. For instance, in certain species (), the hypanthium may be glabrous or sparsely to densely pubescent with a fleshy texture. In relation to the ovary, the hypanthium typically elevates or partially encloses the in perigynous flowers, creating the appearance of an inferior without true fusion to the carpels, while the itself remains superior and free. In some cases, such as epigynous flowers, the hypanthium integrates more closely, surrounding the inferior but still derived primarily from non-carpellary tissues.

Development

Ontogenetic Processes

The development of the hypanthium commences with meristematic activity at the floral apex, where the initially convex apex transitions to a concave form following the initiation of primordia. This change facilitates the formation of an intercalary meristem along the margins of the floral apex, which generates an annular ridge through ; this ridge elevates and expands the bases of the outer floral organs, ultimately forming the cup- or tube-like hypanthium. In families such as and , this process involves the coordinated expansion and fusion of tissues derived from the receptacle below the sepals, petals, and stamens, resulting in a perigynous structure that partially or fully encloses the . Within the broader floral , hypanthium formation occurs after the initiation of the whorl—typically sepals emerging first in sequential order, followed by simultaneous petal primordia—but precedes the complete maturation of , which develop unidirectionally or simultaneously shortly thereafter. The carpels arise last, often after stamen initiation, allowing the upward growth of the hypanthium to integrate with the base. This timing is modulated by gradients established in the receptacle, which promote localized cell division and elongation to shape the expanding hypanthial tissues, similar to auxin-driven patterns in other floral organ developments. Developmental anomalies in hypanthium formation are infrequent but can result in incomplete tissue fusion, leading to semi-perigynous conditions where the appears partially inferior. For instance, in species like Leandra melastomoides and dodecandra within , partial enclosure of the by the hypanthium occurs due to limited carpel-hypanthium integration, mimicking transitional states observed in some experimental floral mutants. Such variations highlight the plasticity of meristematic growth in determining final position without disrupting overall floral viability.

Relation to Floral Organs

The hypanthium plays a key role in determining the positional relationships among floral organs, particularly influencing the apparent location of the relative to the and androecium. In perigynous flowers, the hypanthium develops as a cup-shaped structure formed by the fused bases of the sepals, petals, and stamens, which surrounds but does not fuse with the superior , positioning it at the base of the floral tube. In contrast, epigynous flowers feature a hypanthium that extends upward and fuses with the upper portion of an inferior , effectively embedding the within or below the floral tube and altering its apparent position to appear sunken. This structural integration with the often extends into development, where the hypanthial tissue adheres to and contributes to the outer layers of the pericarp. For instance, in species like pears (Pyrus spp.), the hypanthium attaches to the inferior and forms a substantial portion of the fleshy wall surrounding the true pericarp derived from the itself. By elevating the attachment points of the sepals, petals, and stamens above the , the hypanthium influences overall , supporting either actinomorphic (radially symmetric) arrangements in more primitive forms or zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetric) patterns in derived lineages through differential elongation and fusion. In the Moringaceae family, for example, species with minimal hypanthium development exhibit actinomorphic flowers, while those with pronounced hypanthial expansion show increased zygomorphy.

Functions

Pollination and Nectar Production

The hypanthium frequently serves as a site for nectariferous tissues, with nectaries commonly located at its base or along the rim, where they secrete sugar-rich to reward pollinators. These nectaries originate from hypanthial tissue shortly after development and are positioned above the , forming structures such as rings or discs that facilitate nectar accumulation and release through modified stomata on the inner walls. In many , this , an high in carbohydrates, attracts a diverse array of pollinators including , birds, and bats by providing an energy source that encourages repeated visits and transfer. In petaloid hypanthia, the colored walls enhance visual appeal, often mimicking petals to draw from a distance, while scents emitted from the hypanthial tissue further augment attraction in some cases. The depth of the hypanthium, particularly in tubular forms, modulates access to ; for instance, elongated hypanthia restrict entry to long-billed like hummingbirds, promoting specialized interactions by matching floral morphology to . Additionally, the hypanthium contributes to certain pollination syndromes, such as buzz pollination, where its enclosing structure positions poricidal anthers in proximity to nectar rewards, prompting bees to vibrate the flower and release pollen while foraging. This configuration ensures efficient pollen dispersal without direct nectar contact, as bees target the hypanthial nectar while sonicating the enclosed reproductive organs.

Structural Support and Protection

The hypanthium serves as a key structural element in many flowers, elevating the and androecium to enhance overall floral architecture and stability. In families such as , the perigynous hypanthium expands through marginal growth from intercalary meristems, raising sepals, petals, and stamens above the while increasing the flower's diameter to accommodate additional reproductive organs like extra carpel whorls. This elevation provides a stable base that supports the attachment of these organs at the hypanthium's rim, preventing undue strain on the floral axis during environmental stresses. In its protective role, the hypanthium acts as a physical barrier, shielding sensitive reproductive tissues from external threats. Glandular trichomes on the hypanthium surface, as observed in species of (Melastomataceae), secrete sticky and phenolic compounds that entrap or deter herbivorous insects, thereby safeguarding developing and associated structures from damage. Additionally, by supporting hood-shaped petals, the hypanthium indirectly aids in protecting anthers and from in arid conditions. The frequent fusion of the hypanthium with the ovary wall further reinforces this enclosure, forming a unified structure that limits exposure to potential pathogens. Post-anthesis, the hypanthium often persists and enlarges to contribute to fruit development, providing a durable outer layer that encases and protects the seeds. In roses (Rosa spp., Rosaceae), for instance, the fleshy walls of the hypanthium swell into the characteristic , enclosing hard achenes containing the true s and shielding them from mechanical damage and until dispersal. This protective persistence enhances seed viability in variable environments.

Variations Across Families

In Rosaceae

In the family, the hypanthium typically forms a cup-like or bowl-shaped structure in perigynous flowers, to which the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached at the rim, while the remains free or partially adnate depending on the . This morphology is characteristic of most , with the hypanthium often shallow and saucer-shaped in basal lineages, providing a platform for floral organs without deep enclosure of the . In advanced subfamilies like Maloideae, the hypanthium can become deeper and more urn-like, with carpels (one to five) adnate to its inner wall, contributing to the development of accessory fruits where the hypanthium enlarges into a fleshy pericarp surrounding the true fruitlets. A prominent example occurs in roses (Rosa spp.), where the hypanthium is urceolate—urn-shaped with a constricted orifice—and encloses numerous free carpels that develop into achenes; upon maturation, the hypanthium expands into the fleshy , an that protects the seeds. Similarly, in strawberries ( spp.), the shallow hypanthium functions as an enlarged receptacle in perigynous flowers with superior ovaries and multiple free carpels; post-fertilization, it develops into the conspicuous red, fleshy pseudocarp bearing surface achenes, distinguishing it from true berries. Variations in hypanthium depth and adnation within correlate closely with types, reflecting subfamily diversification. In perigynous Rosoideae (e.g., Rosa and ), the hypanthium remains largely free from the apocarpous , resulting in aggregate like hips or achene-covered receptacles where the hypanthium provides minimal enclosure. Conversely, in epigynous Maloideae (e.g., for apples), the deeper hypanthium is adnate to the syncarpous, inferior , leading to pomes where the thickened hypanthial tissue forms the edible outer flesh around a papery core of true . This perigynous condition predominates across the family, but shallower forms in drupe-producing Prunoideae (e.g., ) show less hypanthial expansion, yielding single-carpel drupes without accessory tissue dominance.

In Myrtaceae and Other Families

In the family, the hypanthium is characteristically tubular or cup-shaped, often adnate to the and prolonged above it, with shapes ranging from campanulate and obconic to semiglobose across genera. In species, it features an operculate structure where fused sepals and petals form a deciduous lid-like cap (calyptra) that sheds during , exposing the stamens. Post-fertilization, the hypanthium persists as the hardened, woody base of the capsular fruit, known as gumnuts, which supports the dehiscent valves and encloses the seeds until dispersal. Beyond , the hypanthium exhibits diverse forms in other families, particularly in non-Rosid lineages. In , it is prominent and persistent, forming a bell-shaped to cylindric tube that is membranous or leathery; for example, in (pomegranate), this structure develops into the tough outer rind of the indehiscent, berry-like fruit (balausta), enclosing the arillate seeds. In , flowers are epigynous with an inferior , and the hypanthium is often nectariferous and prolonged beyond the as an elongated tube, as seen in species where it assumes a tubular or funnel-shaped form to facilitate . Perigynous hypanthia are uncommon in but occur in certain caesalpinioid subgroups, where the cup- or tube-like structure surrounds the base of the superior without fusing to it, as in some Senna species with bilateral flowers. Comparative variations highlight differences in depth and fusion; the hypanthium remains shallow and cup-like in Mitella species of Saxifragaceae, forming a subtle expanded base for the half-inferior , in contrast to the more elongated, free extensions in of .

Evolutionary Significance

Origins in Angiosperms

The hypanthium first appears in the angiosperm fossil record during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago, as evidenced by the fossil flower Lingyuananthus inexpectus gen. et sp. nov. from the lower Aptian Yixian Formation in Liaoning Province, China. This structure is characterized by a cup-shaped expansion at the floral base, surrounding an inferior ovary, which aligns with features seen in later eudicot lineages. Many earlier angiosperm fossils from the Barremian stage (around 130 million years ago) exhibit hypogynous flowers with superior ovaries, indicating that the hypanthium emerged as a novelty within early diverging eudicots, though later formations within the Potomac Group include examples with hypanthium such as Virginianthus calycanthoides. The presence of a hypanthium in Lingyuananthus suggests affinities to core eudicots, supporting its role as an early innovation in this clade during the rapid radiation of flowering plants in the mid-Early Cretaceous. Phylogenetically, the hypanthium is predominantly distributed among rosids, a major subclade of eudicots that includes orders such as Rosales and Myrtales, where it often accompanies perigynous or epigynous floral architectures. In Rosaceae (Rosales), for instance, the hypanthium forms a fleshy receptacle enclosing achenes, as seen in genera like Rosa, while in Myrtaceae (Myrtales), it expands to support numerous stamens and an inferior ovary, as in Eugenia. This distribution reflects multiple independent elaborations within rosids, contrasting with its absence in basal angiosperms, such as Amborella trichopoda, the sister group to all other flowering plants, which possesses simple hypogynous flowers without any cup-like expansion. Similarly, early-diverging lineages like Nymphaeales and Austrobaileyales lack a hypanthium, underscoring its derived status outside the basal grade of angiosperm phylogeny. Hypotheses on the origin of the hypanthium propose that it arose from the expansion of the floral receptacle in ancestral perigynous flowers, where the bases of sepals, petals, and stamens become congenitally fused and elongated to form a tubular structure surrounding the . This developmental shift likely involved , a change in the timing of growth processes, such that prolonged expansion of the receptacle relative to other floral organs produces the cup-shaped form observed in fossils and extant taxa. Parsimony-based reconstructions of the ancestral angiosperm flower indicate that the hypanthium evolved independently at least twice in , once in and possibly in other lineages like , as an from a plesiomorphic hypogynous condition. Such origins align with broader patterns of floral diversification in the , where structural innovations like the hypanthium contributed to the morphological disparity of early angiosperms.

Adaptive Roles

The hypanthium confers reproductive advantages by enhancing pollinator specificity and efficiency through its structural morphology, such as elongated tubular forms that restrict access to rewards and favor long-tongued like hawkmoths. In some lineages, particularly within , the hypanthium enables petal reduction by assuming attractive functions, thereby redirecting energetic resources from development to hypanthium coloration and form for attraction. For survival benefits, the hypanthium improves dispersal by contributing to the formation of colorful, fleshy structures that attract avian frugivores; for instance, in fruits like apples, the hypanthium develops into the edible pericarp with red hues that signal ripeness to birds, facilitating seed dissemination via endozoochory. Additionally, in certain arid-adapted genera such as Augea in , the hypanthium provides protection against abiotic stresses like by enclosing nectar-producing structures, reducing evaporative loss in harsh environments and maintaining reproductive viability. Evolutionary trade-offs associated with the hypanthium include the loss of petals in certain rosid lineages, where the structure takes over visual and nectar-related roles, potentially optimizing but limiting flexibility in floral display; this adaptation has promoted diversification across numerous rosid families by enabling varied and fruiting strategies.

References

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