Inflorescence types

capitulum (= head): a dense cluster of sessile flowers. adj. capitate.

catkin: a spike in which the flowers are unisexual and without conspicuous perianth.

corymb: a racemose inflorescence in which the pedicels of the lower flowers are longer than those of the flowers above, bringing all flowers to about the same level.

cyme: an inflorescence in which each flower, in turn, is formed at the tip of a growing axis and further flowers are formed on branches arising below it. adj. cymose. cf. raceme.

glomerule: a small compact cluster. adj. glomerulate.

inflorescence: the group or arrangement in which flowers are borne on a plant.

raceme: an indeterminate inflorescence in which a main axis produces a series of flowers on lateral stalks, the oldest at the base and the youngest at the top. adj. racemose. cf. cyme.

spadix: a spicate inflorescence with a stout, often succulent axis.

spike: an unbranched, indeterminate inflorescence in which the flowers are without stalks. adj. spicate.

syconium: a multiple fruit with a hollow centre, e.g. in figs (Ficus).

thyrse: a branched inflorescence in which the main axis is indeterminate and the lateral branches determinate in their growth.

umbel: a racemose inflorescence in which all the individual flower stalks arise in a cluster at the top of the peduncle and are of about equal length.

verticillaster: a false whorl of opposed cymes.