Umbel differs from head in being

Options

A. a racemose type of inflorescence
B. an inflorescence having flower arranged in centripetal order
C. an inflorescence having pedicellate flowers
D. an inflorescence with spathe

Answer

To understand how umbel differs from head, we need to analyze the characteristics of both types of inflorescence. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the differences:

### Step 1: Define Umbel
An umbel is a type of inflorescence where the flower stalks (pedicels) arise from a common point, resembling the shape of an umbrella. The flowers are usually borne on short stalks and are arranged in a flat-topped or rounded cluster.

**Hint:** Remember that the defining feature of an umbel is the common point from which the flower stalks emerge.

### Step 2: Define Head
A head (or capitulum) is another type of inflorescence where flowers are densely packed on a single receptacle. In this arrangement, the flowers are usually sessile (without stalks) and can appear to be a single flower.

**Hint:** Focus on how flowers in a head are closely packed together, often appearing as one flower.

### Step 3: Compare Flower Arrangement
In an umbel, the flowers are arranged on pedicels of varying lengths, which allows them to spread out from a central point. In contrast, in a head, the flowers are closely packed and typically do not have individual stalks.

**Hint:** Think about the spacing of flowers in each type of inflorescence.

### Step 4: Analyze Bracts
In umbel, the bracts (leaf-like structures) that support the flowers are usually loosely arranged, while in a head, the bracts can be more tightly clustered around the flower cluster.

**Hint:** Consider the arrangement and role of bracts in both types of inflorescence.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The main difference between umbel and head is that umbel has flowers arranged on pedicels radiating from a common point, while head has flowers that are closely packed together on a single receptacle without individual stalks.

**Hint:** Summarize the key features that distinguish the two types of inflorescence.

### Final Answer
Umbel differs from head in being an inflorescence with flowers arranged on pedicels radiating from a common point, while head has flowers densely packed on a single receptacle.