an inflorescence having a number of achlamydeous male flowers surrounding a single achlamydeous female flower is

Options

A. verticillaster
B. cyanthium
C. spadix
D. hypanthodium

Answer

To solve the question about the type of inflorescence that has a number of achlamydeous male flowers surrounding a single achlamydeous female flower, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Terms**:
- **Achlamydeous Flowers**: These are flowers that lack both petals and sepals.
- **Inflorescence**: This refers to the arrangement of flowers on a plant.

2. **Identify the Structure**:
- We are looking for an inflorescence where multiple male flowers surround a single female flower.

3. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Verticillaster**: This type of inflorescence has flowers arranged in whorls, but it does not specifically describe the arrangement of male and female flowers as required in the question.
- **Scinthium**: This inflorescence has a single female flower surrounded by multiple male flowers and is characterized by achlamydeous flowers. It is also covered by cup-shaped bracts.
- **Spadix**: This is a fleshy inflorescence often seen in plants like bananas, but it does not fit the description of having a single female flower surrounded by male flowers.
- **Hypanthodium**: In this type, male and female flowers are found inside a receptacle, which does not match the description given.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **Scinthium** (option 2), as it specifically describes the arrangement of multiple male achlamydeous flowers surrounding a single female achlamydeous flower.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **Scinthium**.