Question

The inflorescence found in Ficus is known as
A. Cyathium
B. Catkin
C. Hypanthodium
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Inflorescence refers to the complex arrangement of a number of flowers on the main branch or a number of branches. Ficus or fig fruit forms an enclosed inflorescence. The inflorescence structure formed in Ficus is called a syconium.

Complete answer: Ficus forms a large group of woody plants called fig trees or figs. It is famous for the cultivation of its special fruit called fig fruit. Figs make up an important food source for wildlife. An important characteristic feature of figs is their unique style of inflorescence. Also, they have a very distinct type of pollination system. They use highly specialized small wasps that belong to the Agaonidae family. The syconium or the enclosed inflorescence of figs is what differentiates them from other plants. The syconium forms an urn-like structure that is lined with tiny fig flowers from inside. The tiny and highly specific wasps known as fig wasps enter the closed inflorescence through a special structure called the ostiole. The wasps pollinate the flowers as well as lay their eggs inside them.
The specialized inflorescence is called Hypanthodium. The receptacle is fleshy and forms a hollow ball-like structure having an apical opening in hypanthodium. The inner surface of the receptacle holds three types of flowers. The male flowers are present towards the orifice from where the wasps enter, the female flowers are the base on which the pollen is shed. The third type of flowers is sterile short-styled flowers present in the middle of male and female flowers.
Catkin inflorescence is seen in willows, oaks, and birches. Cyathium inflorescence is a kind of pseudanthium that means false flowers and is found in the genus Euphorbia.
Thus, from the above discussion, we can conclude that the correct answer is option C.

Note: The inflorescence is an important classification unit for plants. The simple inflorescence is of two types called racemose and cymose. The other type of inflorescence is compound inflorescence. It is a mixture of racemose and cymose inflorescence.