What is an Inflorescence?
An inflorescence is the way flowers are arranged on a plant. Instead of single flowers, many trees produce clusters of flowers in specific patterns.
Common Types
Raceme
- Flowers along a central stalk
- Flowers open from bottom to top
- Example: Some Leguminosae
Panicle
- Branched flower cluster
- Multiple racemes branching off
- Example: Mango flowers
Spike
- Similar to raceme but flowers have no stalks
- Flowers attached directly to main stem
- Common in palms
Umbel
- Flowers radiate from single point
- Umbrella-like appearance
- Example: Some Araliaceae
Head (Capitulum)
- Dense cluster of flowers
- Appears as single flower
- Example: Composites
Why It Matters
- Identification: Inflorescence type helps identify tree families
- Pollination: Different arrangements attract different pollinators
- Fruit production: Understanding flowering helps predict fruiting
- Timing: Inflorescence development indicates seasonal patterns