Floral Formulas – Convenient shorthand methods of recording floral symmetry, number of parts, connation and
adnation, insertion, and ovary position.
Symbol 1: The first symbol in a floral formula describes the symmetry of a
flower.
(*)Radial symmetry – Divisible into equal halves by two or more planes of
symmetry.
(x) Bilateral symmetry – Divisible into equal halves by only one plane of
symmetry.
($) Asymmetrical – Flower lacking a plane of symmetry, neither radial or
bilateral.
Symbol 2: The second major symbol in the floral formula is the number of
sepals, with “K” representing “calyx”. K5 would mean a calyx of five
sepals.
Symbol 3: The third symbol is the number of petals, with “C” representing “corolla”. C5 means a corolla of 5 petals.
Symbol 4: The fourth symbol in the floral formula is the number of stamens (androecial items), with “A” representing
“androecium”. A∞ (the symbol for infinity) indicates numerous stamens and is used when stamens number more than twelve
in a flower. A10 would indicate 10 stamens.
Symbol 5: The fifth symbol in a floral formula indicates the number of carpels, with “G” representing “gynoecium”. G10
would describe a gynoecium of ten carpels. A line below the carpel number indicates the superior position of the ovary with respect
to other floral parts. A line above the carpel number indicates the inferior position of the ovary with respect to other floral parts
Example: Radial symmetry (*),
* , K5, C5, A∞, G10 5 sepals in the calyx (K5) – 5 petals in the corolla (C5)
Numerous (12 or more) stamens (A∞) – 10 carpels (G10)
adnation, insertion, and ovary position.
Symbol 1: The first symbol in a floral formula describes the symmetry of a
flower.
(*)Radial symmetry – Divisible into equal halves by two or more planes of
symmetry.
(x) Bilateral symmetry – Divisible into equal halves by only one plane of
symmetry.
($) Asymmetrical – Flower lacking a plane of symmetry, neither radial or
bilateral.
Symbol 2: The second major symbol in the floral formula is the number of
sepals, with “K” representing “calyx”. K5 would mean a calyx of five
sepals.
Symbol 3: The third symbol is the number of petals, with “C” representing “corolla”. C5 means a corolla of 5 petals.
Symbol 4: The fourth symbol in the floral formula is the number of stamens (androecial items), with “A” representing
“androecium”. A∞ (the symbol for infinity) indicates numerous stamens and is used when stamens number more than twelve
in a flower. A10 would indicate 10 stamens.
Symbol 5: The fifth symbol in a floral formula indicates the number of carpels, with “G” representing “gynoecium”. G10
would describe a gynoecium of ten carpels. A line below the carpel number indicates the superior position of the ovary with respect
to other floral parts. A line above the carpel number indicates the inferior position of the ovary with respect to other floral parts
Example: Radial symmetry (*),
* , K5, C5, A∞, G10 5 sepals in the calyx (K5) – 5 petals in the corolla (C5)
Numerous (12 or more) stamens (A∞) – 10 carpels (G10)
