Question

The inflorescence of rice is called:

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

Hint:

Inflorescences of major cereal crops:
- Rice: Panicle (branched)
- Wheat: Spike (unbranched, sessile spikelets)
- Pearl Millet: Spicate panicle (compact)
- Maize: Tassel (male panicle) and Cob/Ear (female spadix)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Inflorescence refers to the arrangement and distribution of flowers on a main floral axis (peduncle).
Different cereal crops belonging to the family Poaceae possess distinct inflorescence structures.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the inflorescence types of common cereals:
(A) Ear (C) Spike:
A spike is an unbranched inflorescence where sessile spikelets are attached directly to the central axis (rachis).
This type of inflorescence is found in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley, and is commonly referred to as an "ear" or "head."
(B) Panicle:
A panicle is a branched, indeterminate inflorescence.
In rice (Oryza sativa), the main axis of the inflorescence produces primary branches, which further divide into secondary branches bearing single-flowered spikelets.
This branched structure is called a panicle.
(D) Spadix:
A spadix is a spike inflorescence with a fleshy axis enclosed by a large, showy bract called a spathe.
It is characteristic of monocots like maize (female inflorescence/ear is a modified spadix) and plants in the family Araceae.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The inflorescence of rice is called a panicle.
Therefore, the correct option is (B).