Question

In cymose inflorescence, the flowers are borne in:

• A. Basipetal order
• B. Acropetal order
• C. Centripetal order
• D. Any of the others

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Basipetal order

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct answer:

1. In cymose inflorescence, growth is limited.
2. This is because the main axis terminates in a flower.
3. Hence, the flowers are borne in basipetal order wherein new flowers are produced at the base and older ones are on the top.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

In acropetal succession, older flowers are present at the base and younger flowers are present at the apex. It is a modification of racemose inflorescence.

Option C:

1. In centripetal succession, the central part holds the younger flowers while older flowers are borne at the periphery.
2. It is a modification of racemose inflorescence.

Option D:

Acropetal and centripetal orders are modifications of racemose inflorescence while basipetal order is a modification of cymose inflorescence.

Final answer: In cymose inflorescence, the flowers are borne in basipetal order.