Inflorescence

Flowers are the reproductive structures in angiosperms. Each flower is a modified shoot adapted for purposes of reproduction. Flowers may occur either singly or in clusters. When clustered, the flowers are generally arranged on branches, which are quite distinct from the vegetative branches. Such a floral branch system is known as inflorescence.

The main axis of the inflorescence is called the peduncle. Individual flowers are attached to this peduncle by stalks of their own. Stalk of each flower is called the pedicel. Stalked flowers are called pedicellate while the flowers without the stalk are called sessile.

There are three main types of inflorescence,

1. Racemose inflorescence

2. Cymose inflorescence

3. Special types of inflorescence.