Question

The entire inflorescence looks like a single flower in:

• A. Poinsettia
• B. Ficus
• C. Saponaria
• D. Teak

Answer 1

The correct option is A Poinsettia

Cyathium: This type of inflorescence is found in the family Euphorbiaceae. In this inflorescence, there are nectar secreting glands enclosing a single female flower, represented by a pistil, in the centre, situated on a long stalk. This female flower remains surrounded by a number of male flowers arranged centrifugally, giving the entire inflorescence an appearance of a single flower. Each male flower is reduced to a solitary stalked stamen. The examples can be seen in Poinsettia (Euphorbia), Pedilanthus, etc.

Hypanthodium: The peduncle is modified into a narrow cup-like structure which bears flowers. The flowers are unisexual. At the base of the cup, the female flowers develop while the male flowers develop towards the apical pore. The examples are found in Ficus of Moraceae.

Dichasial or biparous cyme: It is a cymose type of inflorescence, the peduncle terminates with a single flower and from the basal part of the peduncle two lateral branches arise. These also end in a flower. Each time two lateral branches are produced which will terminate with a single flower. Eg. Saponaria, jasmine, teak, Mirabilis.