Echinacea Inflorescence

The Echinacea inflorescence is classified as a capitulum, consisting of a convex, cone-shaped, or pinecone-like central disk and marginal ray florets. Important morphological traits include the inflorescence diameter, architectural type—comprising both single and double forms—and petal color, which varies from white to red and orange hues.

The structure of the inflorescence directly influences the productivity and agronomic characteristics of the crop. Seeds mature within the central disk, and their readiness phase is determined by the disk darkening to a brown-black color and the bracts becoming more rigid. During breeding and raw material harvesting, it is taken into account that a number of hybrid forms with altered inflorescence structure may exhibit sterility or reduced viability.