Question

The inflorescence of sunflower is

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

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Capitulum

The correct option is D.

Explanation for correct option:

1. An inflorescence is the arrangement of flowers on the floral axis.
2. Sunflower is an annual plant of the family Asteraceae with a large head known as capitulum, which is the characteristic inflorescence of sunflower.
3. The capitulum or head is also called the racemose head.

Explanation for incorrect option:

Option A:

1. In botany, an umbel is an inflorescence made up of several small flower stalks that radiate outward from a central point, resembling the ribs of an umbrella.
2. Ivy, Aralia, and Fatsia are members of the family Araliaceae, and onion (Allium) is a member of the family Alliaceae.
3. These plants all have umbels as a distinguishing feature.

Option B:

1. One of the specialized pseudanthia that make up a Euphorbia plant's inflorescence is called a cyathium.
2. It looks like a solitary flower.
3. Poinsettia, for instance.

Option C:

1. A hypanthium, also known as a floral cup, is a structure seen in angiosperms where the basal sections of the calyx, corolla, and stamens combine to form a tube-like structure.
2. A unique variety of cymose inflorescence is the hypanthium.
3. The Moraceae family of plants, including the Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), and fig, include the Hypanthodium inflorescence (Ficus carica).

Final answer: The inflorescence of sunflower is capitulum.