Flower key inflorescences – Use this key to find which family a plant belongs to. For other keys click HERE
Flower key inflorescences – some species of flowering plants have solitary flowers but the majority have flower clusters that are called inflorescences. Some families have easily recognised inflorescences. For example in the Daisy family, the inflorescence is called a capitulum and consists of a flat head of small, closely packed stalkless flowers called florets. It and other easily recognised inflorescences are shown here along with the families in which they are found.
For more information on Inflorescences click HERE
Cyathium – an inflorescence unique to the Euphorbias of the Spurge family. It consists of a female flower in the centre surrounded by multiple male flowers. This photo shows 3 cyathia enclosed by a large bract.
Capitulum – an inflorescence consisting of a head of closely-packed florets in the Daisy family. The flower shown is a collection of many disc florets and 14 yellow ray florets. Click HERE for more information on the capitulum.
Head – a similar arrangement to a capitulm but consists of individual flowers compressed into a flat or spherical shape.
Pea, Sea Lavender, Umbellifer and Honeysuckle families
Umbel – All flowers from the same point
Daffodil (alliums), Rose (Cherries), Geranium (Pelargoniums), Primrose (Cowslip) and Umbellifer families
Verticillaster – false whorl of 2 flowers
Mint (Dead-nettle) family
Verticillate – whorl of more than 2 flowers
Lily (fritillary) and Loosestrife families
Spike – A vertical raceme with sessile flowers
Orchid, Asphodel (Red-hot Poker), Mint (Lavender) and Acanthus families
Scorpioid cyme – coiled like a scorpion’s tail
Borage family