Meaning of Inflorescence

[ladyslipper]

Okay, I know I should know this but does Inflorescence mean the same as stem? I have just bought a Phal. Hieroglyphica and according to orchidspecies.com, if the infloresecence is not damaged, it will rebloom on it.

regards, mary

[Neverend]

Inflorescence is the 'stem' where the flowers are produced, I think it's obvious enough what it is when you have flowers

[Vanessa]

In our very own glossary:

Inflorescence,
The portion of the plant devoted to and including the flowers.

[Ray]

"Inflorescence", as was stated, is the generic term for the flowering structure of a plant. There are several kinds, based upon the structure & arrangement of the flowers on it, but orchid growers have "genericized" the term spike for all, even though most orchids don't have spikes.

Check this out: Inflorescence Structures

[ladyslipper]

thanks for the responses, guys, after our show in 2 weeks, I am making a real attempt not to buy any more for sometime; as demonstrated in the "obviousness" of my question, I know way too little to be even an adequate grower. Hopefully, I can be disciplined and not buy that chid that will make my life complete (until I see the next one). regards, mary