An unbranched inflorescence where flowers are attached directly to the central stem (rachis) without individual flower stalks (pedicels). Flowers are typically arranged in a dense, elongated cluster.
From Latin 'spica' meaning 'ear of grain' or 'point,' referring to the pointed, elongated appearance of this flower arrangement. The term has been used in botanical contexts since ancient times, originally describing cereal grain heads.
Spikes are the efficiency experts of the flower world - no wasted energy on individual flower stems! This design is perfect for wind-pollinated plants like grasses and plantains, where having flowers packed tightly together maximizes pollen release and capture.
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