Recently I collected 2 individuals of Knoxia sp. in that, I found corolla tube with 3 lobes instead of 4 lobes as usual in the genus
It's not unheard of in other species too such as Magnolia
Such variations occasionally occur in nature probably in all plant groups
yes, the number of corolla lobes varies in Rubiaceae, too. 5 is frequent (and up to 12 or more, e.g. in Gardenia), but 3, less so. Some species normally have 3 corolla lobes, e.g., Asperula tinctoria L.
In Knoxia L. 4 calyx lobes, corolla lobes and stamens, but some time this type of abnormality can also be seen in other genera of Rubiaceae. I have also seen this type of abnormal phenomena in some plant of Ixora polyantha Wight (in Western Ghats - 3-5 lobes). This is not common phenomena.
In Solanum diphyllum L. usually 5 petals (so in genus Solanum L.) are found, but in M.P., U.P. and Maharashtra I have seen 4-8 petals in the same plant. Likely, many times this types of abnormality I have noticed in some genera of different families in fields.
Many articles can be seen in Current Science and Indian Forester on this type of abnormal phenomena shown by plants.
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