Question

The type of inflorescence in Tulsi
(a) Cyanthium
(b) Hypanthodium
(c) Verticillaster
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: It is a special type of inflorescence and it is also observed in Salvia. It is commonly seen in the family Lamiaceae.

Complete answer:
In Tulsi, a special type of inflorescence is observed known as Verticillaster inflorescence. It consists of two flower clusters each containing 3-9 flowers, which develop on a node in axils of opposite leaves. The individual flower clusters contain a dichasial cyme with monochasial branches. The opposite clusters often give a whorl like appearance.

Additional Information:

Other special types of the inflorescence are as follows:
-Cyanthium: It consists of a small conical receptacle that is surrounded by an involucre of five colored bracts and a centrally placed achlamydeous, pedicellate, and terminal female flower. It is surrounded by numerous male flowers in a centrifugal fashion. Each of the male flowers consists of a single stamen and a pedicel.
-Hypanthodium: It consists of a fleshy flash like a receptacle, which forms a narrow canal and a terminal pore at one end. Few scales are present that cover the pore. The female flowers are situated towards the base of the thalamus and male flowers are present towards the pore. Gall flowers are present between these two groups.
-Coenanthium: They consist of a saucer-shaped receptacle and the margins are curved. Arrangement of florets is similar to hypanthodium inflorescence
So, the correct answer is,” The type of inflorescence seen in Tulsi is verticillaster”

Note: Hypanthodium type of inflorescence is seen in fig trees. A mutualistic relationship exists between a wasp named Blastophaga and fig trees. The female gall wasp lays its egg in the hypanthodium inflorescence of fig plants. Thus the inflorescence provides a safe egg-laying site for the wasps and on the other hand, the wasps help in pollination in fig plants.