Question

In a spadix inflorescence, the spathe encloses
A. Umbel
B. Biparous
C. Catkin
D. Spike

Answer 1

Hint:-The arrangement of flowers on a fixed floral axis is termed as inflorescence. Inflorescence can be racemose i.e. indeterminate or cymose i.e. determinate. In Racemose condition, the terminal bud continues to produce new flowers with the youngest flower present near the growth tip or apex and older towards the base. In Cymose condition, the terminal bud stops growing and lateral flowers are produced from axillary buds where the oldest flower is at the apex and younger ones are present towards the base.

Complete Answer:-
A spadix is an inflorescence that consists of a thick fleshy axis containing both male and female flowers. The axis or peduncle is elongated but the flowers are small and sessile hence the arrangement is termed as a spike. The flowers are apetalous and unisexual. On the spadix, the female flowers are placed at the bottom whereas the male flowers are arranged above them. This whole inflorescence shows a racemose orientation and is enclosed within a broad leaf-like bract or sheath called a spathe. Thus, in a spadix inflorescence, a spathe encloses the spike of flowers.Additional information:
The spathe of palm inflorescence is very long and woody. When shed, the spathes of the coconut palm are used as boat-shaped bowls. The spathes are boiled, dried, and waxed to produce beautiful bowls.

So, the correct answer is option (D), Spike.

Note:- Flowers of family Araceae show spadix inflorescence. The spathe enveloping the spadix are often funnel-shaped and brightly coloured. The corpse flower, Amorphophallus titanum is a characteristic example of this family. When it blooms it emits a foul stench smell which attracts carrion flies.