spikelet
Quick Summary
A spikelet is a small spike, specifically one of the few-flowered, bracted spikes that form the compound inflorescence of a grass or sedge. These structures are crucial for identifying grass species and genera.12
Spikelets consist of a central axis, the rachilla, to which are attached chaffy scales. The lowermost scales are called glumes, and they typically enclose other scales: the lemma and the palea. These, along with the flower, form the floret.2
Specialized features of spikelets, such as awns and a hardened callus at the base, aid in seed dispersal and establishment by helping the seeds burrow into the soil. The arrangement of spikelets defines major inflorescence types in grasses, like the spike in wheat or the panicle in bluegrasses.2
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CyperaceaeCharacteristic morphological features…a single flower), forming the spikelet, the basic unit of a sedge inflorescence. Spikelets are arranged into inflorescences of variable size and form: from small, tight heads in many genera to panicles, the usual form of the inflorescence; panicles as long as one meter or more can be found in…
Read More…a single flower), forming the spikelet, the basic unit of a sedge inflorescence. Spikelets are arranged into inflorescences of variable size and form: from small, tight heads in many genera to panicles, the usual form of the inflorescence; panicles as long as one meter or more can be found in…
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PoaceaeCharacteristic morphological features…inflorescence of grasses is the spikelet, a small structure consisting of a short axis, the rachilla, to which are attached chaffy, two-ranked, closely overlapping scales. There are three kinds of scales. The lowermost, called glumes, are usually two in number, and they enclose some or all of the other scales.…
Read More…inflorescence of grasses is the spikelet, a small structure consisting of a short axis, the rachilla, to which are attached chaffy, two-ranked, closely overlapping scales. There are three kinds of scales. The lowermost, called glumes, are usually two in number, and they enclose some or all of the other scales.…
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