Tuesday Terminology: Inflorescence

This term can be used in reference to 3 main things:

Inflorescence: 1) Flowering part of a plant 2) A group or cluster of flowers on an axis that are not separated by branching or leaves. 3) The arrangement of flowers within a cluster. This can be in the form of many shapes, patterns, and sizes.

*Practice note: Here are a few photo examples of each usage of the word.

1) Single inflorescence:

2) Inflorescence of multiple flowers: general term

3) Inflorescence arrangement: A few of the MANY

Monday Plant Feature

Featured Plant: Name: Callistemon viminalis (Weeping bottlebrush)

1. Family: Myrtaceae
2. Plant type: Woody shrub or small tree
3. Exposure: Full sun
4. Branching pattern: Alternate
5. Habit: Grows to about 20 ft tall and wide, with large pendulous branches.
6. Foliage: Evergreen, emerge as light green and turn dark green, often with a hint of bronze. About 3 inches in length, willow-like.
7. Flowers: Blooms in the spring. Long clusters of flowers look like bottle brushes. Prominent red stamens with yellow anthers.
8. Fruit: hard little capsules containing seeds.
9. Similar species: Many other species within this large genus.
10. Other: Grows best in warm climates, like Florida, and in Sandy soils. Originates in Australia, New South Whales, Victoria, Queensland.