Question

Inflorescence in Gramineae is known as
A Spikelets
B Raceme
C Umbel
D Cyme

Answer 1

Hint: Inflorescence is the arrangement of flowers on plants. Stem with an inflorescence is called a Peduncle and the stalk of each flower is called a Pedicel. Inflorescence can be of four types namely, Racemose, Cymose, Compound inflorescence, and a Special type of inflorescence.

Complete answer:In Racemose inflorescence, flowers grow laterally on the peduncle. It is also called an indefinite inflorescence. The growing tip continuously bears new floral buds. The young flowers are on top of the peduncle and elder or old flowers are at the base.
Racemose inflorescence can be of several subtypes-
Raceme
Panicle
Spike
Spikelet
Catkin
Spadix
Corymb
Umbel
Capitulum.

Spikelet inflorescence:
The inflorescence has a small spike where one or more flowers are born on the rachilla. The entire inflorescence bears two sterile bracts called empty glumes or glumes. Above empty glume, there is the presence of one or more fertile glume. This fertile glume is called lemmas or flowering glume. Each lemma has a single sessile flower at the apex. Opposite to lemma, a small glume is a present called palea. The perianth is present but is reduced into scales called Lodicule.
Members of the Gramineae family show the presence of spikelet inflorescence.
In Raceme inflorescence, the main axis has indefinite growth. More or less equally pedicellate flowers are born. Example: (Radish) Raphanus sativus, (Mustard) Brassica nigra.
In Umbel inflorescence, the main axis is shortened. Flowers appear to be developed at the same level. Older flowers are towards the periphery and younger are towards the center. It appears like an open umbrella. Members of the Umbelliferae family exhibit umbel inflorescence.
In Cyme inflorescence flower bears on the terminal axis. It is a definite inflorescence.
So, the correct answer to the given question is option A. Spikelets.

Note: Gramineae is also called Poaceae family. Spikelets with florets are called Rachilla. The external bract of spikelet inflorescence is lemma and the inner one is palea. Flowers are bisexual i.e. are hermaphrodite.