The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

A plant exhibits a unique inflorescence where the peduncle is flattened and bears sessile flowers in a centripetal fashion.  Small, scaly bracts are present, and the oldest flowers are located at the periphery.  This type of inflorescence is MOST accurately classified as a:

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant Morphology, specifically inflorescence types.
 **Related Topics**: Flower arrangement, bracts, peduncle, centripetal development.
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of botanical terminology related to inflorescences.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  * Flattened peduncle
  * Sessile flowers (flowers without stalks)
  * Centripetal development (flowers develop from the outside inwards)
  * Small, scaly bracts
  * Oldest flowers at the periphery
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the given characteristics of the inflorescence.
  Reasoning: We need to match the described features to known inflorescence types.
 2. Compare the characteristics with the options provided.
  Working: Let's examine each option:
  * **Cyathium:**  A unique inflorescence of Euphorbiaceae, characterized by a cup-shaped involucre with reduced flowers.  This doesn't match the description.
  * **Hypanthodium:** A fleshy, hollow receptacle enclosing the flowers, as in figs. This doesn't fit the description.
  * **Capitulum (Head):**  This inflorescence has a flattened receptacle with sessile flowers, often surrounded by involucral bracts. The flowers develop centripetally (from the outside inwards), matching the description perfectly.
  * **Verticillaster:** A type of inflorescence where clusters of flowers arise from the axils of opposite leaves. This does not match the description.
 3. Identify the best match.
  Result: Capitulum is the most accurate classification based on the given characteristics.
  Verification: All the features (flattened peduncle, sessile flowers, centripetal arrangement, scaly bracts, oldest flowers at the periphery) are consistent with a capitulum.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Cyathium is a unique inflorescence type found in the Euphorbiaceae family, characterized by a cup-shaped involucre with reduced flowers. It doesn't match the provided description.
B :x: Hypanthodium is a type of inflorescence where the flowers are enclosed within a fleshy receptacle, as in fig trees.  This doesn't align with the description.
C ✓: Capitulum accurately describes the inflorescence with its flattened receptacle, sessile flowers, centripetal development, and presence of bracts.  The oldest flowers at the periphery are consistent with this type.
D :x: Verticillaster is characterized by clusters of flowers arising from the axils of opposite leaves, which is not the case in the description.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing capitulum with other inflorescence types like umbel or corymb: Pay close attention to the arrangement of flowers on the receptacle and the presence/absence of stalks.
  2.Overlooking the significance of centripetal development: This is a key characteristic that helps distinguish capitulum from other inflorescence types.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key features of capitulum: flattened receptacle, sessile flowers, centripetal development, and often involucral bracts.
  2.Use a flowchart or diagram to compare different inflorescence types to aid memorization.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Cyathium

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Hypanthodium

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Capitulum"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Verticillaster

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