Inflorescence of female flowers of Zea mays is

Options

A. Spike of spikelets
B. Panicle of spikelets
C. Spadix of spikelets
D. Catkin.

Answer

To determine the inflorescence of female flowers of Zea mays (commonly known as maize or corn), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Plant
- Zea mays is a cereal grain commonly known as maize or corn. It belongs to the family Poaceae (grass family).

**Hint:** Remember that the family Poaceae is known for its grasses and cereal grains.

### Step 2: Understand Inflorescence
- Inflorescence refers to the arrangement of flowers on a plant. Different plants have different types of inflorescences.

**Hint:** Inflorescences can be classified into various types such as spikes, racemes, panicles, and more.

### Step 3: Focus on Female Flowers
- The question specifically asks about the inflorescence of female flowers in Zea mays. In maize, the female flowers are found on the ears of the plant.

**Hint:** Female flowers in maize are located in the ear, which is distinct from the male flowers found in the tassel.

### Step 4: Identify the Type of Inflorescence
- The inflorescence of the female flowers of Zea mays is a spadix of spikelets. The spikelets arise from the axil of the lower leaves and are closely arranged on a fleshy axis.

**Hint:** A spadix is a type of inflorescence that is fleshy and often surrounded by a spathe.

### Step 5: Describe the Structure
- Each spikelet in the inflorescence is typically two-flowered, where the upper flower is usually fertile and the lower flower is often aborted. The inflorescence is surrounded by large hyaline bracts known as the spathe.

**Hint:** Pay attention to the arrangement and the number of flowers in each spikelet.

### Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding the inflorescence of female flowers of Zea mays is **spadix of spikelets**.

**Final Answer:** Spadix of spikelets