The four major floral parts are always shown in the same order; sepals (CA), petals (CO), stamens (A), and carpels (G). The number of each part in the flower is indicated with a superscript number after the letters.
A floral diagram represents a cross-section of a flower as it would appear if all parts were at the same level. Unlike the floral formula, a floral diagram is actually a good representation of a picture of the flower. Compare the drawing and floral diagram on the right and you can see the resemblance.
The symbols above represent "basic" floral parts - indicating the normal attachment of each part to the hypanthium.
The symbols above represent "attached" floral parts. If the attachment is at a place other than the hypanthium, a line is drawn to indicate the structure to which it is attached.
If like floral structures are fused (attached to each other), they are connected with a line on the diagram.
The symbol on the right indicated fused petals.
Floral Diagram Practice
Plant Family Characteristics 1
Plant Family Characteristics 2
Plant Family Characteristics 3
Plant Family Characteristics 4
Plant Family Characteristics 5
Plant Family Characteristics 6
