Question

Glumes occur in ?
A) Spike
B) Spikelet
C) Strobile
D) Spadix

Answer 1

Inflorescence means the arrangement of flowers on a floral axis. A glume is a leafy structure (bract) seen in certain types of inflorescence.

Complete answer:

Option A : A spike is a type of inflorescence which is unbranched and indeterminate. Although it bears sensible flowers, spike is similar to raceme. Malabar Nut is an example of spike inflorescence. But, glumes never occur in spikes. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B : Spikelet is a type of inflorescence, commonly seen in grass flowers. One or more florets can be seen in each spikelet. Bracts called glumes can be seen at the bases of spikelets. Small grass plants and sledges show this type of inflorescence. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option C : Strobile is a type of inflorescence, which is similar to spike. In strobile, a flower is formed in the axis of membranous bract. Humulus lupulas is an example for strobile inflorescence. Glume is not present in strobile. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D : When small flowers are formed in a fleshy stem, the inflorescence is termed as spadix. This is a type of spike inflorescence. Glumes are not present in spadix inflorescence. But a type of bract called spathe is seen in spadix, which is a leafy like structure that covers the spadix. The flower of Anthurium is an example of spadix inflorescence. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B) spikelet.

Note: There are various types of inflorescence,

Racemose - Here, the flowers are laterally branched in the floral axis.
Cymose - Here, the flower is the end point of every floral axis.