Question

Select the correct combination of inflorescences.
A) Simple raceme, corymb, umbel, simple cyme
B) Simple raceme, spadix, spike, catkin
C) Cyathium, verticillaster, hypanthodium, catkin
D) Capitulum, globose head, verticillaster, catkin

Answer 1

It is an arrangement of a group or clusters of flowers on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches. Morphologically it is the modified part of the shoot where flowers are formed.

Complete answer:
A flower is a modified shoot wherein the shoot apical meristem gets changed into the floral meristem. The arrangement of flowers on the floral axis in the plant is known as inflorescence. Depending on whether the apex of the shoot develops into a flower or continues to grow, there are two major types of inflorescence. These are: -

Racemose: It is the type of inflorescence in which the main axis continues to grow and the flowers are borne laterally in an acropetal succession. It is also called monopodial inflorescence.
Cymose: It is the type of inflorescence in which the main axis terminates in a flower and thus it is limited in growth. The flowers are borne in a basipetal succession. It is also called sympodial inflorescence.
Some subtypes are there of the racemose and cymose inflorescences. These are:
Racemose type: simple raceme, corymb, umbel, spadix, spike, catkin, capitulum, globose head.
Cymose type: simple cyme, cyathium, verticillaster,hypanthodium.

The correct option is B i.e. simple raceme, spadix, spike, catkin.

Note:

Simple raceme: mustard, radish, snapdragon etc.
Corymb: cauliflower
Spike: long pepper, chaff flower, amaranth, Malabar nut.
Catkin : mulberry, birches, oaks, willows
Spadix: found in monocot plants of family Araceae, Musaceae, Palmaceae.
Umbel: characteristically found in umbelliferae family.
Capitulum: sunflower, marigold, babool.

Cymose:

Simple cyme: jasmine , Bougainvillea
Cyathium: poinsettia
Verticillaster: characteristically found in lamiaceae family( labiatae)
Hypanthodium: Ficus species. The inflorescence is pollinated by the wasp called Blastophaga.