Define the term inflorescence. Explain the basis for the different types inflorescence in flowering plants.
Inflorescence is the manner in which the flowers are arranged on the flowering axis. During the flowering season, the vegetative apex of the stem gets converted into a floral meristem. Depending on whether the apex gets converted into the flower or continues its growth, inflorescence is classified into racemose and cymose.
(i). Racemose inflorescence: In this the floral axis(main axis) continues to grow and produces flowers laterally. The flower are borne in acropetal succession, i.e the new flowers are at the top and the old flowers at the bottom.
(ii). Cymose inflorescence: The main axis terminates into a flower. Hence, it is limited in growth.The flowers are borne in basipetal order i.e the old flowers are at the top while the new flowers are at the bottom. 
