The main axis ends with a flower. From two lateral bracts, only one branch grows further. It may be Helicoid or Scorpioid. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Figure .
: Diagrammatic representation of (a) Helicoid, (b) Scorpioid , (c) Simple dichasium, (d) Compound dichasium , (e) Polychasial Cyme are crowded around the node. Example: Leucas . F igure . : Diagrammatic representation of, (a) Thyrsus, (b) Verticillaster (a) (b) IV.
Special Inflorescence The inflorescence that do not show any of the development pattern types are classified under special type of inflorescence. . 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 a pistil. Cyathium may be actinomorphic (Example: Euphorbia ) or zygomorphic (Example: Pedilanthus ). Nectar is present in involucre .
Male flower Female flower Figure . : Cyathium a. Helicoid: A xis develops on only one side and forms a coil structure atleast at the earlier development stage. Example: Hamelia , potato.
b. Scorpioid: Axis develops on alternate sides and often becomes a coiled structure. Example: Heliotropium . .
Simple dichasium (Biparous ): A central axis ends in a terminal flower; further growth is produced by two lateral buds. Each cymose unit consists of three flowers of which central one is old one. This is true cyme . Example: Jasminum .
. Compound dichasium : It has many flowers. A terminal old flower develops lateral simple dichasial cymes on both sides. Each compound dichasium consists of seven flowers.
Example: Clerodendron . A small,simple dichasium is called cymule . Polychasial Cyme (multiparous ): The central axis ends with a flower. The lateral axis branches repeatedly.
Example: Nerium Sympodial Cyme : In monochasial cyme, successive axis at first develop in a zigzag manner and later it develops into a straight pseudo axis. Example: Solanum americanum. III. Mixed Inflorescence Inflorescences in which both racemose and cymose patterns