Practice question

In cymose inflorescence growth is determinate because apical meristem terminates as flower after limited activity, halting primary axis elongation. Subsequent lateral cymose branches arise below apex, so flowering proceeds basipetally oldest at apex newest at base, opposite of acropetal sequence of racemose. Acropetal and centripetal sequences apply to racemose indeterminate heads, random order not a systematic pattern. Basipetal succession ensures terminal flower opens first allocating resources early. Examples include jasmine, Solanum nigrum and Drosera; cyme types monochasial, dichasial, polychasial reflect branching degree but consistently maintain basipetal maturation and determinate habit.