Basipetal succession describes which arrangement of flowers in an inflorescence?

• A. Newly developing buds at bottom; older at top
• B. Newly developing buds at top; older at bottom
• C. Bracts surround the inflorescence at the base
• D. The peduncle terminates in a flower

Answer: (D)

Basipetal succession refers to the direction of flower maturation within an inflorescence, where development proceeds from the apex toward the base. This means the youngest, newly developing buds are at the top, while the older flowers are toward the bottom. So the description that best matches basipetal pattern is newly developing buds at the top with older flowers at the bottom. In contrast, acropetal succession would move from base toward the apex (older at the top, younger at the bottom). The other statements describe structural features of the inflorescence (such as bracts at the base or a peduncle ending in a single flower) rather than the sequence of flower development.