Question

An inflorescence having sessile flowers, a flattened receptacle and an involucre of bracts is?

• A. Capitulum
• B. Hypanthodium
• C. Umbel
• D. Spikelet

Answer 1

The correct option is A Capitulum

A. Capitulum or head bears many sessile and small florets. The main axis becomes flat and called receptacle. At the base of flowers, a cluster of bracts forming an involucre. It is a type of racemose inflorescence. The example is the sunflower.

B. Hypanthodium is fleshy receptacle forming a hollow cavity with an apical opening called ostiole. The flowers are developed on the inner wall of the hollow cavity. The male flowers are situated at the top near the opening, at the bottom are situated the female flowers with long styles and in between both are situated short-styled gall flowers which are sterile. It is a type of cymose inflorescence. The example is ficus.

C. Umbel in which the main axis is reduced very much and all flowers appear to be arising from the same point. At the base of flowers, the cluster of bracts from an involucre. It is a type of cymose inflorescence. The example is hydrocotyle.

D. Spikelet is a small and special spike. Flowers are produced in the axil of fertile bracts called lemma. It is a type of racemose inflorescence. The example is wheat.

So, the correct answer is 'Capitulum'.