Question

Capitulum inflorescence is seen in
A) Cruciferae
B) Liliaceae
C) Compositae
D) Solanaceae

Answer 1

Hint:-Inflorescence is defined as the arrangement of flowers on a stem which is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branching. The stem which bears the inflorescence is known as the peduncle and the region holding the branches is called rachis.

Complete answer:
Inflorescence can be differentiated based on different characteristics of the flower such as how they are arranged on the peduncle, their blooming order and how they are clustered together. In plants different organs are capable of growing with different schemes. These schemes are of two types- monopodial or racemose and sympodial or cymose. With respect to inflorescence these two are known as indeterminate and determinate inflorescence respectively. In case of indeterminate inflorescence the terminal bud continues to grow with no formation of lateral flowers. A terminal flower is also never formed and they are also known as open. Determinate inflorescence is where the terminal bud forms a terminal flower. Other flowers are also formed from lateral buds and they are also known as closed inflorescence. Capitulum inflorescence is a type of inflorescence where a short spike is present where the flowers are seen to be borne directly on a broad and flat peduncle giving rise to the appearance of a single flower. It is most commonly seen in the Compositae family which include sunflowers, dahlias, chamomile, marigolds, etc.

Hence the correct answer is option (C) Compositae.

Note:Apart from the above mentioned two main types of inflorescence several others exist as well such as mixed inflorescence and special inflorescence. Mixed inflorescence is a combination of both racemose and cymose pattern giving rise to irregularly arranged flowers and special inflorescence is one which cannot be classified into the typical cymose or racemose pattern.