How is a Hypanthodium inflorescence different from a capitulum?

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In summary, hypanthodium inflorescence is different from capitulum in its absence of protandrous condition. This means that the male reproductive organs do not come to maturity before the female. The opening of flowers in a hypanthodium does not follow a definite order, with mature male flowers at the top, less mature female flowers in the middle, and immature female flowers at the bottom. This structure is an adaptation for insect pollination. Learning all the botanical terms can be a long and challenging process, as there are many unique terms for different plant structures. The correct term for the development of anthers on a flower by flower basis is anthesis.
  • #1
gracy
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hypanthodium inflorescence is different from capitulum in
And the answer is
Absence of protandrous condition.
Can anyone explain this ?how?
I know protandrous condition is having the male reproductive organs come to maturity before the female.
according to this
http://www.sakshieducation.com/(S(2iwaqj3wm3ymsemwhqzaud55))/Inter(New)/..\EAMCET\QR\Botany\jr_botanysynopsis\07Inflorescence.pdf
see the last line of last page
It says
"The opening of flowers in Hypanthodium contains no definite order"
does the term" opening of flowers" indicate maturity here?
If yes then the answer "Absence of protandrous condition" makes sense to me .
 
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  • #2
It refers to the development of the anthers on a flower by flower basis.

If you notice carefully both determinate and indeterminate inflorscences of most all plant species with inforescences have "baby" flowers and more mature flowers at the same time. Think of a hypanthodium as having three types of flowers: mature male dominant in a ring at the mouth of the bowl - less mature female dominant flowers in a ring in the middle, and immature female dominant at the bottom of the bowl. The genus Ficus (Fig) is an example. -- this structure is an adaptation for insect pollination.

As an aside - unless you want to be a Botanist, learning all the botanical terms is very long term endeavor because the terminology is truly vast. Stuff like extrorse and antrorse viscid trichomes litter the botano-linguistic landscape. There are lots of one-off kinds of structures common to a single plant family or even a genus. This generates LOTS of terms. My undergrad Botany mentor claimed there were about 120K unique terms just for angiosperms. Back then Mycology and Phycology were sub-discplines of Botany. They each added gobs of terms on their own.

I like the subject, so it was fun. Just go at it slowly and realize that you may never see hypanthodium again unless you teach Botany. Or eat figs at a dinner party and want to show off. Or answer questions on PF.

FWIW the link you showed is spelling challenged -- ex. pedicel is not spelled correctly.
 
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  • #3
jim mcnamara said:
It refers to the development of the anthers on a flower by flower basis.
Here "it "means ?Are you referring to "The opening of flowers"?
 
  • #4
Yes. the correct term is anthesis. That 'means beginning of flowering' <- in the context I used.
 
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Related to How is a Hypanthodium inflorescence different from a capitulum?

What is a Hypanthodium inflorescence?

A Hypanthodium inflorescence is a unique type of flower structure found in certain plants, particularly fig trees. It is a modified form of inflorescence, where the flowers are enclosed within a hollow, fleshy structure called a syconium.

How does a Hypanthodium inflorescence differ from other types of inflorescence?

A Hypanthodium inflorescence is different from other types of inflorescence in that the flowers are not visible on the outside of the structure. Instead, they are hidden within the syconium, and are pollinated by small wasps that enter through a small opening called an ostiole.

What are the benefits of a Hypanthodium inflorescence for the plant?

A Hypanthodium inflorescence provides several benefits for the plant. It protects the flowers from harsh environmental conditions, helps to prevent self-pollination, and provides shelter and food for the pollinating wasps.

How is a Hypanthodium inflorescence formed?

A Hypanthodium inflorescence is formed through a process called sycony. This occurs when the floral axis, or base of the flower, grows and surrounds the flowers, forming a hollow structure. This structure then matures into the syconium, which contains the flowers inside.

What types of plants have a Hypanthodium inflorescence?

A Hypanthodium inflorescence is most commonly found in plants of the family Moraceae, which includes fig trees. Some other plants that may have a similar inflorescence structure include members of the Ficus, Artocarpus, and Dorstenia genera.

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