Question

What is the inflorescence found in banana known as?

• A. Spadix
• B. Panicle
• C. Spike
• D. Solitary

Hint:

Remember that a spadix is a characteristic feature of the banana plant, as well as plants in the Araceae family (like the peace lily) and palms. The key features are the fleshy axis (spadix) and the large bract (spathe).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the botanical term for the type of inflorescence (flower cluster) found in a banana plant.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
An inflorescence is the arrangement of flowers on a floral axis. Different types are classified based on their structure.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{A Spike is an inflorescence with sessile (stalkless) flowers arranged on an elongated axis. } \\ \bullet & \text{A Spadix is a special type of spike where the axis (peduncle) is thick and fleshy, and the entire structure is typically enclosed by a large, colorful bract called a spathe. } \\ \bullet & \text{A Panicle is a branched, indeterminate inflorescence. } \\ \bullet & \text{Solitary means a single flower, not a cluster. } \\ \end{array}\] The banana inflorescence consists of a large, pendulous, fleshy axis bearing clusters of flowers, which are covered by large purplish bracts (the spathe). This structure perfectly matches the definition of a spadix.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The inflorescence found in banana is known as a Spadix.