Question 1

How can a racemose inflorescence be distinguished from a cymose inflorescence?

Accepted Answer

A racemose inflorescence has an indeterminate main axis that continues growing and does not end in a flower. A cymose inflorescence is determinate because its main axis or successive branch ends in a terminal flower.

Question 2

In which direction do flowers mature in a raceme or panicle?

Accepted Answer

In racemose inflorescences, older open flowers are generally near the base and younger flowers or buds are near the apex. This base-to-apex progression is called acropetal succession.

Question 3

What is the structural difference between a raceme and a panicle?

Accepted Answer

A raceme is an unbranched racemose inflorescence with pedicellate flowers on an elongated main axis. A panicle is branched, and each branch preserves a racemose arrangement.

Question 4

Why is a dichasium called a dichasium?

Accepted Answer

A dichasium is a cymose inflorescence in which exactly two lateral axes develop below the terminal flower. Each of these two axes subsequently terminates in a flower.

Question 5

What makes a scorpioid cyme coiled?

Accepted Answer

A scorpioid cyme is a monochasium in which successive lateral branches develop alternately on opposite sides. This alternating growth gives the inflorescence its characteristic zig-zag coiled appearance.

Inflorescence Explorer: Racemose vs Cymose

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