Question

A fruit which develops from a condensed inflorescence is called
A. A simple fruit
B. An etaerio of fruit
C. An aggregate fruit
D. A composite fruit

Answer 1

Hint: Inflorescence, a cluster of flowers on a branch or a system of branches, in a flowering plant. Based on the arrangement of flowers on the main axis (peduncle) and the timing of its flowering (determined and indeterminate), an inflorescence is classified.

Complete Answer:
Verticillaster: This type of inflorescence is a compact form of a dichasal (biparous) cyme with a cluster of sessile or sub-sessile flowers forming a false whorl of flowers at the node in the axil of the leaves. Two lateral branches give rise to the first of the main floral axis, and these branches and the succeeding branches each have just one branch on opposite sides.
The inflorescence type is a characteristic of the family of Lamiaceae (Labiatae). Typical examples include Ocimum, Coleus, Mentha, Leucas.

Simple fruit: When a flower's ovary turns into a single fruit with or without other accessory floral parts, the fruit is said to be a simple fruit. It may be fleshy or dry.

 Aggregate Fruits: This fruit originates from a single flower with an apocarpous pistil. The carpels are free in such a situation, and each develops into a simple fruitlet. An aggregate fruit creates a set or a group of simple fruitlets. As many fruitlets are produced in a group as carpels are in a flower there.

Composite fruit: From the entire inflorescence, a hybrid or multiple fruit grows. Here the flowers take part in the growth of the fruit as well as the peduncles on which they are borne. Such a fruit is often referred to as fruitlessness.

The correct answer is option (D) A Composite fruit.

Note: There are composite fruits of two kinds:
Sorosis: These fruits grow from inflorescences of spikes, spades or catkins. Jackfruit fruit, Kevda (screwpine), for instance. Pistillate flowers in jackfruit (Kathal) are produced around the peduncle. The pericarp becomes spongy and fused in fruit formation.
Sycosis: From hypanthodium inflorescence, these fruits grow. The receptacle has a pore and is hollow. The pore is surrounded by several tiny scales. Just ex. Ex. Ficus Peepal species.