Question

Fruits of banyan tree develops from
A. Racemose inflorescence
B. Cymose inflorescence
C. Hypanthodium inflorescence
D. Cyathium inflorescence

Answer 1

Hint: The flowers are borne singly or in clusters. A flowering shoot or an axis bearing a cluster of flowers is called inflorescence. The main axis of an inflorescence is called a peduncle. When the flowers occur singly called solitary. There are three main types of inflorescence – racemose, cymose, and special type.

Complete step-by-step answer: Racemose inflorescence – In this type of inflorescence, the main axis possesses a terminal bud which grows indefinitely giving rise to lateral and axillary flowers. The arrangement of flowers on peduncle is either acropetal (i.e. youngest at the apex and oldest at the base) or centripetal (i.e. younger towards the apex and base). Racemose inflorescences may be simple or compound. Eg. Coconut, carrot, etc.
Cymose – In this type of inflorescence the main parts terminate into a flower and further growth takes place by lateral branches that arise below the terminal flower. The lateral branches also terminate into flowers. The arrangement of flowers is basipetal or centrifugal. i.e, the outer or basal flowers are old. Eg. Ranunculus, jasmine, dianthus, etc.
Hypanthodium inflorescence- it is a special type of inflorescence formed by the condensation of the main axis into a cup or flask-shaped fleshy receptacle with a small apical opening called the ostiole. The opening is guarded by scales whereas the passage canal is lined by downwardly pointed hairs. E.g. banyan, peepal tree, etc.
Cyathium inflorescence - It is a special type of cymose inflorescence which is much condensed and hooks like a single bisexual flower. It has a conical receptacle surrounded by green or brightly coloured involucres formed by the fusion of four to five bracts. The terminal flower of the cyme is a female flower hanging down due to an elongated pedicle. The female flower is surrounded by many male flowers which we arranged centrifugally. e.g., Euphorbia pulcherrima
So, the correct answer is option C, i.e., Hypanthodium inflorescence

Note: The cavity of hypanthium bears three kinds of flowers, male flowers, female flowers, and neutral flowers. All the flowers are arranged inside the cavity in cymose groups. Male flowers are present near the opening, neutral and gall flowers in the middle, and female flowers in the basal part of flowers pollinated by insects.