Question:medium

What is the inflorescence found in banana known as?

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Remember that a spadix is a characteristic feature of the banana plant, as well as plants in the Araceae family (like the peace lily) and palms. The key features are the fleshy axis (spadix) and the large bract (spathe).
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • Spadix
  • Panicle
  • Spike
  • Solitary
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Core Concept:
The question seeks the botanical term for a banana plant's flower cluster (inflorescence).

Step 2: Breakdown:
An inflorescence is how flowers are arranged on a floral axis. Types are categorized by their structure.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{A Spike: sessile (stalkless) flowers on a long axis.} \\ \bullet & \text{A Spadix: a thick, fleshy axis (peduncle) with flowers, usually enclosed by a spathe (a large bract). } \\ \bullet & \text{A Panicle: a branched, indeterminate inflorescence. } \\ \bullet & \text{Solitary: a single flower, not a cluster. } \\ \end{array}\]The banana inflorescence features a large, hanging, fleshy axis with flower clusters, covered by purplish bracts (the spathe). This matches the spadix definition.

Step 3: Answer:
The banana plant's inflorescence is a Spadix.

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