Often, inflorescences are described as being closed or opened. The main axis of an inflorescence is called a rachis . The rachis may have few branches , or many branches. The branches may be further divided into branchlets . The inflorescence may have structures called spikelets .
Spikelets are parts that contain the flowers of the plant.
Spikelets may grow in rows, or in spherical clusters, or in other arrangements. Depending on the species, spikelets may be extremely small, or quite large, an inch or more long. The base of the inflorescence or its branches may have bracts . Bracts are leaf-like parts that may be very small and inconspicuous, or they may be relatively large or long, in which case they may be mistaken for leaves. The individual flowers of grasses, sedges and rushes are usually not conspicuous and colorful like the flowers of other plants.