Question

In which of the following a single naked female flower is surrounded by five scorpioid cyme of male flowers?
A. Hypanthodium
B. Cyathium
C. Capitulum
D. Verticillaster

Answer 1

Hint: A flower is the female reproductive structure of a plant which is known to facilitate the process of reproduction by providing a mechanism of union of the sperm with the egg.

Complete Answer:
- Different flowers have different types of inflorescence, which is defined as the arrangement of flowers on a plant.
- Among the options given in the question, hypanthodium which is also known as floral cup is a structure where the base portions of the calyx, stamens and corolla form a cup shaped structure. It is most commonly found in Rosaceae, Fabaceae families.
- Cyathium inflorescence is a type of inflorescence consisting of a small cup-like structure that encloses a female flower and is surrounded by several male flowers.
- The cyathia are sometimes single but usually in cymes. It is mostly seen in the Euphorbiaceae family. Capitulum inflorescence is one which consists of a head, which is a short dense spike and the flowers are borne on a broad and flat peduncle. This results in a single flower appearance. It is most commonly found in Asteraceae.
- Verticillaster inflorescence is the one where the flowers are seen to arise from the axil of bracts which are opposite to one another. In this type of inflorescence it is observed each dichasial cyme changes to monochasial or scorpioid cyme. It is most commonly seen in the Lamiaceae family.

So the correct option is B) Cyathium.

Note: Knowledge about inflorescence is of importance as it plays an important role in the reproduction of the flower and also provides nutrients to the developing fruits and flowers.