Practice question

Peduncle constitutes primary axis bearing entire inflorescence, lifting flower cluster above foliage for optimal pollinator visibility and wind exposure. It may be elongated in raceme, compressed in umbel, hollow in some Asteraceae, but always basal to first branch of inflorescence. Pedicel attaches single flower to peduncle, bract leafy structure at base of pedicel, receptacle expanded apex of flower itself bearing whorls. In rosette herbs like sunflower scape is specialized peduncle arising from basal rosette. Distinguishing peduncle from pedicel essential for describing raceme versus corymb and interpreting inflorescence ontogeny across diverse angiosperm families.