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Following a concise introduction to inflorescence, we will discuss its different types. After that, we will discuss the different types of flowers.
This page aims to give a concise introduction to inflorescence and any other pertinent details. If you are short on time but still want to read everything, we recommend that you read the beginning with the introduction and wind up with the important topics.
Introduction
The clustering or arrangement of flowers along the stalk of a plant is referred to as its inflorescence. It can vary in complexity, size, form, and pattern, and it is also possible for it to be classed into many categories depending on the arrangement of the flowers and their connection to one another. Flowers inflorescences can be categorised into different types based on several features, including
- Racemose Inflorescence
- Cymose Inflorescence
Racemose Inflorescence
A racemose inflorescence is a floral arrangement in which the flowers are carried on an extended main axis. This style of inflorescence is also known as a raceme. The plant’s growth pattern can be either indeterminate or determinate, and the flowers are arranged in various patterns.
The following are the different types of Racemose Inflorescence.
Raceme
A raceme inflorescence is a sort of flowering arrangement in which the flowers are carried on pedicels (little stalks) connected to the inflorescence’s central axis or rachis. This style of flowering arrangement is also known as a raceme. In most cases, the flowers on a raceme grow from the base upward, with the newest blossoms appearing at the tip of the axis.
Examples: Lupine (Lupinus spp.), Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), Delphinium (Delphinium spp.), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.), Crotalaria.
Corymb
A corymb inflorescence is a sort of floral arrangement in which the flowers are carried on pedicels of varying lengths that originate from a central point at the top of the stem. This style of flowering arrangement is also known as a corymb. The flowers are placed so that the flowers on the periphery of the inflorescence have the longest pedicels. In contrast, the pedicels on the flowers closer to the inflorescence’s centre have shorter pedicels.
Examples: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), Elderberry (Sambucus spp.), Mountain ash (Sorbus spp.), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota).
Umbel
An umbel is a form of inflorescence that resembles an umbrella or parasol and is characterised by all of the pedicels originating from a single point at the top of the stem. In an umbel inflorescence, the flowers are arranged in such a way that they all appear to be at the same level and have a length that is comparable to one another.
Examples: Dill (Anethum graveolens), Carrot (Daucus carota), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).
Capitulum
A capitulum is an inflorescence in which numerous flowers are firmly packed together to form a single spherical or flattened structure. This style of the inflorescence is also referred to as a head or compound flower. The individual flowers that make up a capitulum are often rather little and unremarkable, yet when combined, they provide a spectacular and captivating display.
Examples: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).
Spike
A form of flower arrangement known as a spike inflorescence is one in which the flowers are borne on pedicels along a long, unbranched axis (spike) without any considerable extension of the pedicels between the flowers. The flowers that make up an inflorescence shaped like a spike are often organised in a more or less regular manner, and they may either be sessile or have very short pedicels.
Examples: Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Liatris (Liatris spicata), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Veronica (Veronica spicata).
Spadix
A spadix inflorescence is a flowering arrangement in which the flowers are borne on a fleshy spike (spadix) that is typically wrapped by a modified leaf referred to as a spathe. This style of flowering arrangement is seen in several different plant species. The flowers that make up a spadix inflorescence are often rather inconspicuous and tiny, and they may or may not be grouped in a more or less regular manner.
Examples: Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum), Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Maize (Zea mays).
Catkin
A catkin inflorescence sometimes called an ament, or an amentum is a form of floral arrangement in which the flowers are carried on a pendulous spike without any major extension of the pedicels between the flowers. This style of flowering arrangement is most commonly seen in coniferous trees. In a catkin inflorescence, the flowers, which are mostly unisexual but can also be bisexual, are often tiny and difficult to see.
Examples: Willow (Salix spp.), Birch (Betula spp.), Alder (Alnus spp.), Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), and Oak (Quercus spp.).
Corymbose
The pedicels of the lower flowers on a corymbose inflorescence are extended, giving the inflorescence an appearance that is either flat-topped or somewhat convex. This style of flowering arrangement is known as a corymbose inflorescence. In most cases, the flowers that make up a corymbose inflorescence are placed in a more or less regular manner.
Examples: Mustard (Brassica juncea).
Panicle
A panicle inflorescence is a type of flowering arrangement in which the main axis is branched more or less irregularly, with the lower branches bearing the flowers located towards the base of the inflorescence. This type of flowering arrangement is also known as a pedunculate inflorescence. The higher branches of the inflorescence are often shorter than the lower branches, and they are responsible for bearing the flowers that are situated closer to the inflorescence’s summit.
Examples: Oats (Avena sativa), Millet (Pennisetum glaucum), Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), and Delonix.
Cymose Inflorescence
Cymose inflorescence is one in which the major axis of the plant ends in a flower, and the lateral branches grow in a manner that is similar to that of the primary branch.
The following is a list of the several types of cymose inflorescence:
Solitary Cyme
The floral axis produces a single flower that can either be axillary or terminal.
Examples: Datura, Hibiscus, Dianthus barbatus, Geranium sanguineum.
Monochasial Cyme
In this type of cymose inflorescence, the main stem develops lateral branches that grow in an alternating pattern. Each of these branches ends in a single terminal flower.
Examples: Veronicastrum virginicum, Delphinium spp., Lobelia cardinalis, Chrysanthemum spp., Aquilegia spp.
Dichasial Cyme
A dichasial cyme is a specific kind of cymose inflorescence. With this kind of inflorescence, two lateral branches develop from the main stem, and each of these lateral branches creates two more lateral branches in opposing directions.
Examples: Viburnum opulus, Hydrangea paniculata, Sedum telephium, Scabiosa columbaria, and Ceanothus thyrsiflorus.
Polychasial Cyme
In a polychasial cyme, a type of cymose inflorescence, the primary stem creates lateral branches, and each of those lateral branches develops multiple additional lateral branches, resulting in a complicated branching structure.
Examples: Euphorbia milii, Yucca spp., Hoya carnosa, Sambucus nigra, Syringa vulgaris.
Some Other Special Types of Inflorescence
Apart from racemose and cymose inflorescences discussed above, there are other special kinds such as those discussed below.
Compound Inflorescence
A compound inflorescence is a form of inflorescence in which the flowers are placed on branched or unbranched axes that originate from a central point. Compound inflorescences can also be unbranched.
Examples: Lupinus polyphyllus, Musa acuminata, Echinacea purpurea, Cymbidium spp., and Aloe vera.
Cyathium
In plants belonging to the Euphorbia genus, a specific kind of inflorescence known as a cyathium can be found. It is made up of a structure that resembles a cup and is referred to as an involucre. Within this structure are numerous distinct types of miniature flowers.
Examples: Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia lactea, Euphorbia obesa, Euphorbia heterophylla.
Hypanthodium
In the plant family known as figs, an unusual kind of inflorescence known as hypanthium can be found. It is also known as a syconium and is a specialised, hollow receptacle enclosing many smaller flowers. This receptacle can go by a few different names.
Examples: Ficus carica, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa, Ficus microcarpa, and Ficus elastica.
Verticillaster
This type of inflorescence has the appearance of a whorled structure because the flowers are arranged in a cylindrical structure with two opposed cymes.
Examples: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Mint (Mentha spp.), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Oregano (Origanum vulgare).
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1. What is a head inflorescence?
Ans– In the case of a head inflorescence, the flowers are grouped in a thick cluster frequently encircled by bracts. This form of inflorescence is known as head inflorescence.
Q2. What is a peduncle?
Ans– The stalk that holds up a flower is called a peduncle.
Q3. What is an indeterminate inflorescence?
Ans– An indeterminate inflorescence is one in which the flowers bloom from the centre and continue to expand outward, with the oldest flowers located at the bottom and the youngest flowers at the top of the inflorescence.
Q4. What is a determinate inflorescence?
Ans– A determinate inflorescence is an inflorescence in which the flowers bloom from the outside and grow inward, with the youngest flowers at the bottom and the oldest at the top. In this type of inflorescence, the flowers are arranged in age order from youngest to oldest.
Q5. What is a pedicel?
Ans– The stalk that holds up an individual flower that is part of an inflorescence is called a pedicel.
Q6. What kind of inflorescence is an umbel?
Ans– An umbel inflorescence is a form of inflorescence in which the flowers are grouped in a cluster with a flat-topped or rounded head, and all of the flower stalks arise from a central point. Umbel inflorescences can be found on a variety of flowering plants.
