Interpreting the Gynoecium

Interpreting the gynoecium part of a floral formula

• G1_: one ovary, one loculus, superior (1 free carpel)
• G1¯: one ovary, one loculus, inferior (1 free carpel)
• G3_: three free ovaries each with its own stigma and style, each ovary with a single loculus, superior (3 free carpels)
• G(3)_: this represents a superior ovary with 3 fused carpels but various structural combinations could apply, e.g.:
  • one ovary, most commonly the ovary will have 3 loculi,
  • one ovary with a single loculus but with 3 placentas and/or 3 styles or 3 stigmas, or
  • 3 free ovaries but united by a single style.
• G∞_: more than 10 free ovaries each with its own stigma and style, each ovary with a single loculus, superior (numerous free carpels)
• G0: indicates a sterile flower or where the flower is functionally male only
• G(-3-) or G-(3)-: this format can be used to indicate a semi- or half-inferior ovary