INFLORESCENCE

Plant Morphology — Complete Study Notes

CU FYUGP · BSc Zoology · Minor 2 Botany · Module 1

Racemose · Cymose · Special Types · Comparison Tables

SECTION 01

Introduction to Inflorescence

Inflorescence = A flowering shoot bearing a bunch of flowers on a common axis. It may be axillary
(arising from axil) or terminal (at the tip of main stem) in position.

Flowers in plants may occur:

• Singly — Solitary flowers (e.g., Hibiscus, Papaver)
• In bunches on a common axis — Inflorescence

Key Terminology
Term Definition Example

Rachis / Peduncle Main central axis (axial stalk) of inflorescence —

Pedicels Individual stalks bearing each flower on the peduncle —

Sessile Flowers Stalkless flowers directly on peduncle Achyranthes

Scape Long peduncle arising from underground stem Lotus, Onion, Agave

Bracteoles Small bracts subtending individual flowers —

Involucre Whorl of bracts surrounding inflorescence Sunflower

Ostiole Opening at the tip of Hypanthodium Ficus (Fig)

Spathe Large leafy bract covering Spadix Colocasia, Cocos

SECTION 02

Classification of Inflorescence
There are three main types of inflorescence based on the nature of the peduncle and arrangement of
flowers:

TYPE ALSO CALLED MAIN FEATURE SUBTYPES

I. Racemose Indefinite / IndeterminateMain axis does NOT end in flower; unlimited

Raceme,
growth;
Panicle,
acropetal
Corymb,
succession
Spike, Spadix, Um

II. Cymose Definite / Determinate Main axis ENDS in a flower; limited growth;
Solitary,
basipetal
Dichasial,
/ centrifugal
Monochasial
succession
(Helicoid, Sco

III. Special Modified types Neither strictly racemose nor cymose; modified
Hypanthodium,
inflorescences
Verticillaster, Cyathium, Thyrsu

Memory Tip — Racemose vs Cymose:

Racemose = R for Running (axis keeps growing, open ended)
Cymose = C for Closed (axis ends in flower, growth stops)
SECTION 03

A. Racemose Inflorescence
Key Features of Racemose: (1) Main axis does NOT end in a flower. (2) Capable of UNLIMITED
(indefinite) growth. (3) Flowers in ACROPETAL succession — older flowers at base, younger at apex.
(4) In umbel and capitulum: centripetal succession (older at periphery).

1 Raceme
The simplest and most common type. Main peduncle bears pedicellate flowers directly on it in
acropetal succession. All flowers are attached by their own pedicels.
Key: Pedicellate flowers on unbranched elongated axis in acropetal order
e.g. Crotalaria, Glycyrrhiza, Delphinium

2 Panicle (Compound Raceme)

A branched raceme. The main peduncle produces secondary peduncles in acropetal succession;
secondary peduncles may branch further. Flowers get arranged on tertiary branches.
Key: Branched raceme — secondary peduncles themselves bear racemes
e.g. Mango, Teak, Wheat, Delonix

3 Corymb
Type of raceme where the main peduncle is very short but the pedicels of lower flowers are much
longer than upper ones, so ALL flowers stand at the SAME LEVEL. Oldest (basal) flowers have
the longest pedicels; youngest (terminal) have shortest. When the axis elongates after flowering it
becomes a raceme.
Key: All flowers at same horizontal level; lower pedicels longer
e.g. Caesalpinia, Iberis, Gynandropsis

4 Spike
Resembles a raceme but flowers are SESSILE (no pedicels). When the main axis of the spike is
itself branched, each branch bearing sessile flowers, it is called COMPOUND SPIKE (Spikelet in
grasses).
Key: Sessile flowers on elongated unbranched axis
e.g. Achyranthes, Celosia; Compound Spike → Aerva
5 Spadix
A spike-like racemose inflorescence with a thick, fleshy peduncle. Flowers are small, sessile,
unisexual and they sink into depressions on the axis. The ENTIRE inflorescence is enclosed by a
large leafy bract called SPATHE (boat-like). Characteristic of monocots. When branched =
compound spadix.
Key: Thick fleshy axis + large boat-like SPATHE covering the whole
e.g. Colocasia, Cocos nucifera, Areca, Musa, Amorphophallus

6 Umbel
Main peduncle is very short and bears a WHORL OF BRACTS at the tip. From the axil of each
bract, a pedicellate flower (or secondary umbel) arises. All pedicels arise from the same point (tip
of peduncle). Older flowers at periphery, younger at centre = CENTRIPETAL succession. When
each pedicel branches again = COMPOUND UMBEL.
Key: All pedicels arise from same point; flowers at same level; centripetal
e.g. Biophytum (simple); Coriander, Carrot, Fennel (compound umbel)

7 Capitulum (Head / Receptacle)

The main peduncle is FLATTENED into a disc-like structure called RECEPTACLE. Numerous
small sessile flowers (florets) are borne on its surface. The whole cluster is surrounded by an
INVOLUCRE of bracts. TWO types of florets: (a) RAY florets — peripheral, ligulate corolla, often
female or sterile; (b) DISC florets — central, tubular corolla, bisexual. Flowers in centripetal
succession. The whole looks like one large flower.
Key: Flattened receptacle + involucre + Ray florets (outer) + Disc florets (inner)
e.g. Sunflower (Helianthus), Dahlia, Zinnia, Marigold — Family Asteraceae

8 Catkin (Ament / Amentum)

A pendulous type of inflorescence resembling a spike with a thin and weak axis. Contains sessile
and unisexual flowers. The axis is pendulous (hanging). The entire inflorescence falls off as a unit
after pollination. In some plants the receptacle is swollen and spherical → GLOBOSE HEAD.
Key: Pendulous, thin axis; unisexual sessile flowers; shed as a unit
e.g. Acalypha, Morus alba (White Mulberry), Betula, Salix
SECTION 04

B. Cymose Inflorescence
Key Features of Cymose: (1) Main axis ENDS IN A FLOWER. (2) Growth is LIMITED (determinate). (3)
Terminal flower opens FIRST and is the OLDEST. (4) Lateral branches develop below the terminal
flower. (5) Flowers in BASIPETAL / CENTRIFUGAL succession — younger at centre/top, older at
periphery/base.

1 Solitary Cyme
The simplest type of cymose inflorescence — only a SINGLE flower is present. No branching.
The flower may be terminal (at tip of main axis) or axillary (in the axil of a leaf).
Key: Single flower; terminal or axillary; no branching
e.g. Gossypium (terminal), Hibiscus (axillary), Datura

2 Simple Cyme (Cymule)

A compact cluster of THREE pedicellate flowers. One terminal and two others lateral (axillary).
The terminal is the oldest.
Key: Three flowers — one terminal (oldest) + two lateral
e.g. Jasminum, Hamelia, Bougainvillea

3 Dichasial (Biparous) Cyme

Main axis ends in a flower. From just BELOW the terminal flower, TWO OPPOSITE lateral
branches develop, each ending in a flower. Each lateral branch again produces two sub-lateral
branches, and so on. The middle terminal flower is the OLDEST; the lateral ones are younger
(centrifugal development). The arrangement of flowers in the cluster is CENTRIFUGAL (older at
centre, younger at periphery) — opposite to racemose cluster.
Key: Two equal lateral branches below each terminal flower; centrifugal; symmetric
e.g. Clerodendron, Ixora, Dianthus, Stellaria

4 Monochasial — Helicoid (Bostryx) Cyme

Uniparous cyme where the main peduncle produces ONLY ONE secondary peduncle, which in
turn produces one tertiary peduncle, and so on. In HELICOID type, all successive branches arise
from the SAME SIDE of the axis, making it look coiled like a helix (spring). Flowers appear to
alternate on BOTH sides of axis. If the suppressed bracteole is on the right = right helicoid; left =
left helicoid.
Key: All branches on SAME SIDE → coiled/helix appearance
e.g. Hamelia patens, Heliotropium (partially)
5 Monochasial — Scorpioid (Cincinnus) Cyme
Uniparous cyme where successive branches arise ALTERNATELY on OPPOSITE sides of the
axis — giving a ZIGZAG / scorpion-tail appearance. The axis bends from side to side alternately.
This is more common than helicoid.
Key: Branches alternate on OPPOSITE sides → zigzag / scorpion-tail
e.g. Heliotropium (main), Freesia, Ranunculus

6 Polychasial (Multiparous) Cyme

The main peduncle ends in a flower and produces MORE THAN TWO secondary peduncles
around it. Each secondary also ends in a flower and produces more laterals. This results in a
compact rounded cluster.
Key: More than 2 lateral branches at each branching point
e.g. Calotropis, Mollugo, Nerium
SECTION 05

C. Special Types of Inflorescence

Special inflorescences are neither strictly racemose nor cymose. They are highly modified / condensed
inflorescences that have evolved for specific pollination strategies. Include: Hypanthodium,
Verticillaster, Cyathium, Thyrsus, Coenanthium.

1 Hypanthodium
A condensed modification of CAPITULUM characteristic of genus FICUS. The peduncle forms a
HOLLOW, FLESHY, FLASK-SHAPED receptacle that is closed at the top except for a small
opening called the OSTIOLE (guarded by incurved hairs — to allow specific fig wasps for
pollination). Flowers are borne on the INNER WALL: MALE FLOWERS near the ostiole, STERILE
(GALL) FLOWERS in the middle, FEMALE FLOWERS near the base. All flowers are small and
unisexual. The whole structure is called a SYCONIUM.
Key: Hollow flask-shaped receptacle + ostiole + male/sterile/female flowers inside
e.g. Ficus benghalensis (Banyan), Ficus religiosa (Peepal), Artocarpus

2 Verticillaster
A COMPOUND inflorescence = TWO AXILLARY CYMOSE inflorescences that develop opposite
each other (one on each side) and meet at the node, forming a APPARENT WHORL of flowers
around the stem. Both cymes are of scorpioid/dichasial type. Found in plants with opposite
leaves. Characteristic of family LAMIACEAE (Labiatae). At each node the cluster of flowers
appears as a ring around the stem.
Key: Two opposite cymes at each node forming a whorl; characteristic of Lamiaceae
e.g. Leucas, Ocimum (Tulsi/Basil), Salvia, Mentha, Origanum

3 Cyathium
A highly condensed CYMOSE inflorescence that MIMICS A SINGLE FLOWER. An INVOLUCRAL
CUP is formed by the fusion of bracts, bearing NECTARY GLANDS on its rim. Inside: ONE
CENTRAL HIGHLY REDUCED FEMALE FLOWER (reduced to just pistil on a long pedicel)
surrounded by FIVE SCORPIOID CYMES, each reduced to a SINGLE STAMEN (= one male
flower). The female flower emerges from the cup opening when mature. The whole structure
looks like a bisexual flower but is actually an entire inflorescence. Characteristic of genus
EUPHORBIA.
Key: Involucral cup + nectary glands + 1 female (pistil only) + 5 male (stamen only)
e.g. Euphorbia (all species), Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
4 Thyrsus
A MIXED inflorescence — the MAIN AXIS grows in a RACEMOSE manner (indefinite, acropetal)
but the LATERAL (secondary) inflorescences are CYMOSE. Each bracteole has two
sub-bracteoles; from the axil of each sub-bracteole, a simple cyme of three flowers arises. The
overall shape is often club-shaped or elongated. Sometimes called a THYRSE.
Key: Main axis = Racemose; lateral inflorescences = Cymose (mixed type)
e.g. Ocimum basilicum, Salvia, Verbena, Aesculus

5 Coenanthium
A SAUCER-SHAPED inflorescence (like an open, flattened hypanthodium). The peduncle forms
a SAUCER-SHAPED, fleshy, upwardly curved receptacle. Flowers are SMALL, SESSILE,
UNISEXUAL and scattered on the fleshy margins and upper surface of the saucer. Flowers are
both male and female (the receptacle bears unisexual flowers).
Key: Saucer/disc-shaped fleshy receptacle bearing unisexual sessile flowers
e.g. Dorstenia (family Moraceae)
SECTION 06

Racemose vs Cymose — Comparison

Feature Racemose Inflorescence Cymose Inflorescence

Also called Indefinite / Indeterminate Definite / Determinate

Main axis Does NOT end in a flower ENDS in a flower

Growth of axis Unlimited / Indefinite Limited / Definite

Oldest flower At the BASE (or periphery) At the APEX (or centre)

Youngest flower At the APEX (or centre) At the BASE (or periphery)

Order of opening Acropetal (base → apex) Basipetal / Centrifugal (apex → base)

Succession type Acropetal (centripetal in umbel/capitulum) Basipetal / Centrifugal

Lateral buds Develop into branches bearing flowers Develop after terminal flower forms

Examples Raceme, Panicle, Corymb, Spike, Umbel, Capitulum

Dichasial, Monochasial, Polychasial cyme

SECTION 07

Quick Reference — All Types at a Glance

Type Category Key Distinguishing Feature Example(s)

Raceme Racemose Pedicellate flowers on elongated unbranched axisCrotalaria

Panicle Racemose Branched raceme; secondary peduncles also racemose

Mango, Teak

Corymb Racemose Short axis; lower pedicels longer; all flowers at same
Caesalpinia
level

Spike Racemose Sessile flowers on elongated unbranched axis Achyranthes

Spadix Racemose Fleshy axis; sessile flowers; covered by spathe Colocasia, Cocos

Umbel Racemose All pedicels from same point; centripetal succession

Coriander, Carrot

Capitulum Racemose Flat receptacle; ray + disc florets; involucre Sunflower, Dahlia

Catkin Racemose Pendulous axis; unisexual; shed as unit Morus, Acalypha

Solitary Cyme Cymose Single flower only Hibiscus, Gossypium

Simple Cyme Cymose 3 flowers — 1 terminal + 2 lateral Jasminum

Dichasial Cyme Cymose 2 opposite lateral branches below each terminal Clerodendron, Ixora

Helicoid Cyme Cymose Monochasial; all branches same side → coil Hamelia patens
Type Category Key Distinguishing Feature Example(s)

Scorpioid Cyme Cymose Monochasial; branches alternate sides → zigzag Heliotropium

Polychasial Cymose More than 2 lateral branches at each node Calotropis, Mollugo

Hypanthodium Special Hollow flask receptacle + ostiole; Ficus Ficus (Fig)

Verticillaster Special 2 opposite cymes at node forming whorl; Lamiaceae

Leucas, Ocimum

Cyathium Special Involucral cup + nectary; 1 female + 5 male cymesEuphorbia, Poinsettia

Thyrsus Special Main axis racemose + laterals cymose (mixed) Ocimum, Salvia

Coenanthium Special Saucer-shaped fleshy receptacle; unisexual flowers

Dorstenia
SECTION 08

Memory Aids & Exam Tips

RACEMOSE — Types Mnemonic

"Really Pretty Cats Sleep Soundly Under Careful Keeping"

R = Raceme P = Panicle C = Corymb S = Spike
S = Spadix U = Umbel C = Capitulum K = Catkin

CYMOSE — Types Mnemonic

"Some Dogs Must Have Scorpions, Politely"

S = Solitary D = Dichasial M = Monochasial
H = Helicoid S = Scorpioid P = Polychasial

SPECIAL — Types Mnemonic

"Happy Victims Can Take Chances"

H = Hypanthodium V = Verticillaster C = Cyathium
T = Thyrsus C = Coenanthium

Key Points to Remember for Exam

Point Detail

Spadix vs Spike Both have sessile flowers — Spadix has FLESHY axis + SPATHE; Spike is thin, no spathe

Corymb vs Umbel Corymb: pedicels of DIFFERENT lengths, basal longest; Umbel: all pedicels SAME length from s

Capitulum vs Coenanthium Capitulum: flat disc with involucre; Coenanthium: SAUCER-shaped, no involucre (Dorstenia)

Cyathium vs Single flower Cyathium LOOKS like a single flower but is a whole inflorescence with many reduced flowers

Hypanthodium vs Capitulum Hypanthodium: CLOSED flask (hollow); Capitulum: OPEN flat disc

Helicoid vs Scorpioid Helicoid = coil (same side); Scorpioid = zigzag (alternate sides)

Verticillaster family ALWAYS associated with Lamiaceae (mints, basil, sage)

Thyrsus — Mixed type The ONLY standard mixed type: racemose main axis + cymose laterals

Acropetal vs Basipetal Acropetal = base to tip (racemose); Basipetal = tip to base (cymose)

Centripetal vs Centrifugal Centripetal = outside inward (umbel, capitulum); Centrifugal = inside outward (cymose)
CU FYUGP · BSc Zoology · Minor 2 Botany (Plant Morphology) · Module 1 — Inflorescence