Plant Anatomy: Inflorescence, Fruit, Roots

PERIANTH

The calyx and corolla.

CALYX

Sepals.

COROLLA

Petals.

ANDROECIUM

Male reproductive structure.

GYNOECIUM

Female reproductive structure.

PARTS OF A FLOWER

Most important parts of a flower.

SPIKE

Flowers are sessile along a simple undivided axis or rachis. Sessile = no stalk, lacking petiole (leaves) or peduncle.

RACEME

Similar to a spike but the flowers are pedicelled.

PANICLE

Branched raceme.

CORYMB

Youngest flower at the top center, with a flat or nearly flat top.

CYME

Similar to corymb but the inner flower opens first; oldest flower in the inner part. Oldest flower terminates the main axis.

SCORPIOID CYME

One-sided branching forming a coiled inflorescence, typical to Boraginaceae.

UMBEL

All pedicels arise from a common point.

SOLITARY

Flower is solitary.

CATKIN

Short or long, usually dense, scaly spike.

SPADIX

Dry fleshy spike with small flowers, commonly surrounded by an enveloping organ called the spathe.

FLESHY FRUITS

All or most of the ovary wall (pericarp) is soft or fleshy at maturity.

BERRY

Entire pericarp is fleshy, although skin is sometimes tough; may be one- or many-seeded. Examples: grape, tomato, papaya, pomegranate.

HESPERIDIUM

Berry with a leathery rind and parchment-like partitions between sections; typical fruit of the citrus family (Rutaceae). Examples: orange, lemon, grapefruit.

DRUPE

Fleshy fruit with a hard inner layer (endocarp or stone) surrounding the seed. Examples: peach, mango. The coconut is considered a dry drupe with a green, waterproof outer layer.

DRY FRUITS

Pericarp dry at maturity.

LEGUME / POD

An elongate “bean pod” splitting along two seams; typical fruit of the legume family (Leguminosae or Fabaceae). Dehiscent: pericarp splits open along definite seams.

ACHENE

Very small, one-seeded fruit, usually produced in clusters. At maturity the pericarp is dry. Typical fruit of the sunflower family (Compositae or Asteraceae).

SAMARA

Small, winged, one-seeded fruit, usually produced in clusters on trees. The samaras spin as they sail through the air, aiding dispersal.

NUT

Larger, one-seeded fruit with very hard pericarp, usually enclosed in a husk. Many so-called nuts are actually “false nuts” (drupes or dry drupes), where the hard inner layer (endocarp) bears the seed.

ROOT MODIFICATIONS

Roots that are modified for special functions such as support or storage.

AERIAL ROOTS

Encompass a variety of shapes, functioning primarily as structural support for the plant.

STORAGE ROOTS

Specially modified roots for storage of starch and water; many edible vegetables fall under this type.

EPIPHYTE

A plant that grows on another, using it only as physical support, without taking nutrients or causing harm (and offering no benefit).