Processes responsible of the structural diversity of the Cyperaceae synflorescence: Hypothetical evolutionary trends

The synflorescence structure of Cyperaceae is revised. It is postulated that the wide diversity shown by the synflorescences can be explained by the analysis of some processes that operate in different ways combined or independently. Twenty-five of such processes are identified and described as responsible for the great diversity detected in the synflorescences of Cyperaceae. Based on these processes, it is possible to recognize the origin of the different types of synflorescences. The paniculodium appears to be the basal unit of inflorescence within the Cyperaceae. Homogenization and truncation possibly are controlling the passage from Juncaceae to Cyperaceae. The diverse processes and the resulting structures were mapped in the phylogeny of the family, demonstrating that the trends of diversification of the synflorescence between the different tribes and within the tribes are mainly reductive.