INTRODUCTION TO FLOWER STRUCTURE
INFLORESCENCE 1. Racemose : Inflorescence with monopodoal branching i.e., the inflorescence axis continues to grow and gives off lateral and axillary flowers. (i) Raceme: Racemose inflorescence having a common axis and stalked flowers arranged in acropetal succession, e.g., Brassica. (ii) Panicle: Axis of raceme is branched. (iii) Spike: Inflorescence is similar to raceme but the flowers are sessile: e.g., Achyranthes aspera. (iv) Spikelet: Very small spike of a compound spike forming a unit; e.g., grasses. (v) Catkin (or Ament) : A pendulous spike or spike-like inflorescence consisting of small unisexual flowers ; e.g., Morus alba. (vi) Spadix : A spike with thick and fleshy axis covered by a large spathe ; e.g., Maize. (vii) Corymb : It is a modified raceme with relatively a short main axis, in which the lower flowers have much elongated pedicels so that the flowers come to the same level ; e.g., Candytuft. (viii) Umbel : It is a modified raceme, in which the flowers have