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THE INFLORESCENCE 



the apex and the oldest nearest the base of the rachis. If the 

 flowers are sessile, or borne immediately on pedicels, that is, on 

 lateral branches of the first order, the inflorescence is described 

 as simple (Fig. 39) ; when the main axis branches more than 

 once before bearing the flowers the inflorescence is compound 

 (Fig. 41). 



A. Simple Racemose Inflorescences. — In these the main 

 axis bears either sessile flowers or flowers with pedicels, 

 (i) With elongated axis and sessile floivers. 

 The spike {A, Fig. 39). Examples are seen in Greater Plantain 



{Planiago major L.) 

 and Verbena. 



Parts of the in- 

 florescences of most 

 grasses are small spikes 

 or spikelets (see p. 476). 

 The spadix is a form 

 of spike with a thick, 

 fleshy axis. Sometimes 

 a large bract, termed 

 a spathe, encloses this 

 form of inflorescence, 

 as in Lords-and-Ladies 

 {Arum maculaiu7n L.), 

 white ' Trumpet-Lily ' (Richardia), and many palms. 



The catkin is a spike-like inflorescence, which bears only 

 unisexual flowers. Examples of catkins of staminate flowers are 

 seen in the hazel and willow; catkins of carpellary flowers are 

 found on the willow. 



In some plants the catkins are compound inflorescences. 



(ii) With elongated axis and stalked flowers — 

 The raceme {B, Fig. 39). In this form of inflorescence the 

 flower-stalks or pedicels are of nearly equal length. %;Examples 



Fig. 39. — Racemose, or indefinite inflorescences, with 

 elongated axis. A a spike ; B a raceme ; C a corymb ; 

 d bract ; r rachis ; p pedicel. 



