Practice question

Spadix is specialized spike with thick fleshy axis bearing numerous small unisexual flowers often entirely covered by large coloured bract spathe, characteristic of Araceae including Colocasia esculenta, Amorphophallus titanum, Arum and female maize cob encased by spathes. Mustard bears thin raceme, maize male tassel panicle but true spadix with spathe occurs in aroids of Alismatales. Fleshy axis retains moisture and may achieve thermogenesis volatilizing foul odor attracting saprophilous pollinators, spathe protects developing flowers and later fruits. Spadix plus spathe thus diagnostic for monocot aroids in tropical understory habitats.