Question

Inflorescence of female flowers of Zea mays is:
(a) Spike of spikelets
(b) Panicle of spikelets
(c) Spadix of spikelets
(d) Catkin

Answer 1

Hint: In Zea mays, a large number of spikelets are arranged closely on the fleshy axis and are surrounded by large hyaline bracts. This type of inflorescence is categorized under Racemose inflorescence.

Complete answer:
The common name of Zea mays is corn or maize. It is used as a cereal and is found in the family Poaceae. In plants belonging to this family, the Racemose type of inflorescence is seen. The racemose type of inflorescence is further categorized into three types based on differences in lengths of the main axis. A spike that has a fleshy axis and is surrounded by colored bracts is called a spathe. In Zea mays, the female inflorescence is a spadix arising from the axil of the lower leaf. A large number of spikelets are arranged closely on the fleshy axis forming a structure called a cob. Each spikelet is two flowered with protective glumes.

Additional information:
Spadix is a modification of spike type of inflorescence but with a fleshy axis that remains enclosed by multiple large bracts. Members of monocot plants like Araceae, Musaceae, and Palmaceae show this type of inflorescence.

So the correct answer is ‘Spadix of spikelets’.

Note:
This type of inflorescence is particularly found in the Maize plant only. The panicle of spikelets is developed from the apical meristem of the plants where inflorescence is absent. Spikelets consist of spikes that are one or more in number and are an important part of an inflorescence. The spikes consist of a floret that contains pistils and stamens.