Actinomorphic is an adjective that refers to the symmetrical arrangement of floral parts in a flower. It describes a flower that can be divided into equal halves in multiple planes, typically through a central axis. A plant with actinomorphic flowers would exhibit radial symmetry, where the floral organs, such as the petals, sepals, and stamens, are arranged in a circular or star-like pattern.
In an actinomorphic flower, each floral part is uniform in shape and size, making it difficult to differentiate between the outer and inner parts of the flower. The sepals, petals, and stamens are arranged in a whorled or spiral pattern around the center of the flower, allowing pollen to be easily accessed by pollinators. The corolla, which consists of the petals, often forms a regular, symmetrical shape.
This characteristic is in contrast to a zygomorphic flower, which displays bilateral symmetry, meaning it can only be divided into equal halves in one plane. In zygomorphic flowers, one side of the flower is usually different in shape, size, or color from the other side, which aids in attracting specific pollinators.
Actinomorphic flowers are commonly found in a variety of plant families, including roses, daisies, and buttercups. This floral symmetry type is advantageous for attracting a wide range of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, that can approach the flower from any direction.
