Special Inflorescence

Inflorescences may also have classified based on branching, number and arrangement of flowers, and some specialized structures.

I.   Indeterminate (racemose)

II.   Determinate (cymose)

III.   Mixed inflorescence: Inflorescence of some plants show a combination of indeterminate and determinate pattern

IV.   Special inflorescence: Inflorescence which do not confined to these patterns

Special Inflorescence

The inflorescences do not show any of the development pattern types are classified under special type of inflorescence.

1. Cyathium: Cyathium inflorescence consists of small unisexual flowers enclosed by a common involucre which mimics a single flower. Male flowers are organised in a scorpioid manner. Female flower is solitary and centrally located on a long pedicel. Male flower is represented only by stamens and female flower is represented only by pistil. Cyathium may be actinomorphic (Example: Euphorbia) or zygomorphic (Example: Pedilanthus.). Nectar is present in involucre.

2. Hypanthodium: Receptacle is a hollow, globose structure consisting unisexual flowers present on the inner wall of the receptacle. Receptacle is closed except a small opening called ostiole which is covered by a series of bracts. Male flowers are present nearer to the ostiole, female and neutral flowers are found in a mixed manner from middle below. Example: Ficus sp. (Banyan and Pipal).

3. Coenanthium: Circular disc like fleshy open receptacle that bears pistillate flowers at the center and staminate flowers at the periphery. Example: Dorstenia