Question

What is the inflorescence of wheat?

Answer 1

Hint: Inflorescence can be defined as the arrangement of flowers on the plant. The type of inflorescence differs from one plant to another. Every family shows a particular kind of inflorescence. Wheat belongs to the grass family Poaceae.

Complete answer:
The flowers are arranged in a different manner on the floral axis. This arrangement is termed as inflorescence. The inflorescence can be of two types-
i) Racemose- In this type of inflorescence the main axis grows indefinitely and the flowers are borne on the lateral axis. In this, the younger flowers are arranged at the tip and the older flowers remain at the base. Example- Piper, Amaranthus, wheat.
ii) Cymose-In this the flowers are borne terminally on the floral axis. It shows determinate growth along the main axis. In this, the younger flowers are at the base and the older flowers are present at the tip. Example Cabbage.

In the case of wheat, the inflorescence is spikelet type. In this, every spikelet has many florets. The spikelets which bear florets is known as rachilla. It forms bracts at the base and glumes. The lower contains bracts, lemma and palea. The scales are present which is the reduced perianth is known as the lodicules.

Note: Inflorescence is very important in taxonomy. It helps in the classification of the plant. The inflorescence is greatly affected by the pollination method as well as by the temperature. High temperature hampers the proper development of the floral bud. The insects also reduce the flowering capacity. Some flowers have intermediate inflorescence due to which the identification of the plant becomes difficult.