In a racemose inflorescence, which statement correctly describes the order of flowers?

• A. The peduncle terminates in a flower
• B. Flowers are borne in an acropetal succession
• C. Unlimited growth
• D. Basipetal succession

Answer: (B)

In a racemose inflorescence, the main axis keeps growing and bears flowers on short stalks (pedicels) along its length. Because the axis extends toward the tip and continues producing new flowers there, the flowers that formed earlier are located toward the base while newer ones appear toward the apex. This pattern of maturation moving along the axis toward the top is called acropetal succession. So the flowers open in a sequence from base to apex, which is why this option fits best.

The other ideas don’t describe this order. Having the peduncle end in a flower would fit different inflorescence types where growth terminates at a single bloom, not a raceme. Saying the order is basipetal would imply the reverse direction (toward the base), which is not how racemose inflorescences typically mature. Unlimited growth isn’t about the sequence of flower opening.