Spike vs. Inflorescence: What's the difference?

[ag_roe]

The title says it all: What is the difference between a spike and an inflorescence?

Is it called a spike before it flowers, at which point it is called an inflorescence? Can't find anything that explains the difference.

[slipperfreak]

As far as I know, "spike" is just an informal term for inflorescence.

[RosieC]

As far as I know Joe is right. Spike is just an informal term, I'm not certain though.

[WhiteRabbit]

"spike" is so much easier to say and write - or type

[Bird Song Farm]

The correct term is inflorescence, we're just to lazy to type it (spell) so spike it is. LOL
Al

[camille1585]

It's inflorescence, but spike is also a type of inflorescence. The proper definition of a spike is an long indeterminate(bottom blooms open first) inflorescence with sessile (no peduncle) flowers. So we even mis-use the term since many orchids are pedunculated. An elongated inflorescence with pedunculated flowers is called a raceme (phals and large bloomed oncs are in this category). Oncidiums like the twinkle types that have mini spikes things branching off the main spike are compound racemes, or panicles type inflorescences.

Somehow saying "My phal is spiking!!" sounds so much more exciting than saying "my phal is producing an inflorescence!" So I'll stick to the improper use of spike!

[Ray]

It depends upon the structure.

A phalaenopsis' inflorescence is a raceme. Oncidiums have panicles, cattleyas tend to have umbels.

Here's a graphic of the differences (posted in my "Free Info" section of the website):

[quiltergal]

That's a great graphic Ray! I learned something new today!

[cb977]

Thanks Ray

Your site is so full of great information and tips

[RosieC]

Great graphic Ray!