The floral formula uses discrete letters, signs and figures to represent the specific feature of the flower.

Letters used in floral formula

• K: This letter denotes the sepals that form an outermost whorl called the calyx.
• C: This letter represents the group of petals that constitute the second whorl called the corolla.
• P: It is used to denote the petals, which indicates the undifferentiated condition of the perianth members (sepals and petals).
• A: It specifies the male reproduction part or stamens (androecium).
• G: It denotes the female reproductive part, i.e. carpel, which includes the stigma, style and ovary (gynoecium).
• Br: It represents the bracteate condition of the flower.
• Ebr: It indicates the ebracteate condition, in which a flower lacks bract.
• Brl: It indicates the presence of bracteoles.
• Epik: It represents the presence of a secondary whorl surrounding the calyx called epicalyx.
• Ebrl: It is used to indicate the absence of bracteoles or to represent the ebracteolate condition.