Catkin

A catkin is a slim flower cluster (a "spike") which is usually wind-pollinated. Sometimes it is insect-pollinated. They have many flowers arranged closely along a drooping central stem.[1] Usually, they are unisexual.

Hazel catkin

Young male catkin of the willow

They are found in many plant families, including the Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Moraceae, and Salicaceae. The catkin flower arrangement has arisen at least twice independently by convergent evolution, in the Fagales and in Salicaceae.

References

Cronk Q.C.B; Needham I. and Rudall P.J. 2015. Evolution of catkins: inflorescence morphology of selected Salicaceae in an evolutionary and developmental context. Frontiers in Plant Science. 6: 1030.

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[1] Cronk Q.C.B; Needham I. and Rudall P.J. 2015. Evolution of catkins: inflorescence morphology of selected Salicaceae in an evolutionary and developmental context. Frontiers in Plant Science. 6: 1030.