Flower vs. Inflorescence

By Jaxson

Main Difference

The main difference between Flower and Inflorescence is that the Flower is a structure found in some plants (division Magnoliophyta / angiosperms) to support reproduction and Inflorescence is a Term used in botany to describe a cluster of flowers

  • Flower

    A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the division Magnoliophyta, also called angiosperms). The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs. Flowers may facilitate outcrossing (fusion of sperm and eggs from different individuals in a population) or allow selfing (fusion of sperm and egg from the same flower). Some flowers produce diaspores without fertilization (parthenocarpy). Flowers contain sporangia and are the site where gametophytes develop. Many flowers have evolved to be attractive to animals, so as to cause them to be vectors for the transfer of pollen. After fertilization, the ovary of the flower develops into fruit containing seeds.

    In addition to facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants, flowers have long been admired and used by humans to bring beauty to their environment, and also as objects of romance, ritual, religion, medicine and as a source of food.

  • Inflorescence

    An inflorescence is a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches. Morphologically, it is the modified part of the shoot of seed plants where flowers are formed. The modifications can involve the length and the nature of the internodes and the phyllotaxis, as well as variations in the proportions, compressions, swellings, adnations, connations and reduction of main and secondary axes.

    One can also define an inflorescence as the reproductive portion of a plant that bears a cluster of flowers in a specific pattern.

    The stem holding the whole inflorescence is called a peduncle and the major axis (incorrectly referred to as the main stem) holding the flowers or more branches within the inflorescence is called the rachis. The stalk of each single flower is called a pedicel. A flower that is not part of an inflorescence is called a solitary flower and its stalk is also referred to as a peduncle. Any flower in an inflorescence may be referred to as a floret, especially when the individual flowers are particularly small and borne in a tight cluster, such as in a pseudanthium.

    The fruiting stage of an inflorescence is known as an infructescence.

    Inflorescences may be simple (single) or complex (panicle). The rachis may be one of several types, including single, composite, umbel, spike or raceme.

Wikipedia
  • Flower (noun)

    A colorful, conspicuous structure associated with angiosperms, frequently scented and attracting various insects, and which may or may not be used for sexual reproduction.

  • Flower (noun)

    A reproductive structure in angiosperms (flowering plants), often conspicuously colourful and typically including sepals, petals, and either or both stamens and/or a pistil.

  • Flower (noun)

    A plant that bears flowers, especially a plant that is small and lacks wood.

    “We transplanted the flowers to a larger pot.”

  • Flower (noun)

    Of plants, a state of bearing blooms.

    “The dogwoods are in flower this week.”

  • Flower (noun)

    The vulva, especially the labia majora.

  • Flower (noun)

    The best examples or representatives of a group.

    “We selected the flower of the applicants.”

  • Flower (noun)

    The best state of things; the prime.

    “She was in the flower of her life.”

  • Flower (noun)

    Flour.

  • Flower (noun)

    A substance in the form of a powder, especially when condensed from sublimation.

    “the flowers of sulphur”

  • Flower (noun)

    A figure of speech; an ornament of style.

  • Flower (noun)

    Ornamental type used chiefly for borders around pages, cards, etc.

  • Flower (noun)

    Menstrual discharges.

  • Flower (noun)

    Something that flows, such as a river.

  • Flower (verb)

    To put forth blooms.

    “This plant flowers in June.”

  • Flower (verb)

    To decorate with pictures of flowers.

  • Flower (verb)

    To reach a state of full development or achievement.

  • Flower (verb)

    To froth; to ferment gently, as new beer.

  • Flower (verb)

    To come off as flowers by sublimation.

  • Inflorescence (noun)

    Flower cluster; a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches.

  • Inflorescence (noun)

    An instance of a plant beginning to flower.

Wiktionary

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