From the instances cited it is clear that branching of the inflorescence occurs most frequently in those plants naturally characterised by a dense compact mode of growth, whether that be definite or indefinite, as in spikes, umbels, capitula, &c.; so that compound spikes, umbels, &c., are formed in the place of simple ones (see also prolification of the inflorescence, [p. 102]).
Fig. 182.—Broccoli, with six perfect heads on one stalk ('Gard. Chron.,' 1856, Oct. 25).
Increased number of florets in the individual spikelets of grasses is also met with under some circumstances. I have seen this in Hordeum and Lolium, and an instance is figured in Avena by Dr. Wiegmann.[389] M. Duval Jouve[390] records a similar occurrence in Catabrosa aquatica, the spikelets of which contained from two to seven flowers.[391]
FOOTNOTES:
[379] 'Phil Bot.,' § 274.
[380] 'El. Ter. Veget.,' p. 392.
[381] 'Bull. Acad. Belg.,' xvii, part ii, p. 38.
[382] 'Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr.,' vol. iv, 1857. p. 760.