Describe special inflorescence with example.

Explanation

Special Inflorescence:
The inflorescence other than racemose, cymose and mixed type are coming under special type of inflorescence.
Types:
(a) Cyathium:
1. Cyathium inflorescence consists of small unisexual flowers enclosed by a common involucre which mimics a single flower. Male flowers are organised in a scorpioid manner.

2. Female flower is solitary and centrally located on a long pedicel. Male flower is represented only by stamens and female flower is represented only by pistil.
3. Cyathium may be actinomorphic (Eg: Euphorbia) or zygomorphic (Eg: Pedilanthus). A nectar is present in involucre.
(b) Hypanthodium:
1. Receptacle is a hollow, globose structure consisting of unisexual flowers present on the inner wall of the receptacle.
2. Receptacle is closed except a small opening called ostiole which is covered by a series of bracts.
3. Male flowers are present nearer to the ostiole, female and natural flowers found in a mixed manner from middle below. Eg: Ficus sps.
(c) Coenanthium:
Circular disc like fleshy open receptacle that bears pistillate flowers at the center and staminate flowers at the periphery. Eg: Dorstenia.