Define the term inflorescence. Explain the basis for the different types of 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. Based on whether the floral axis continues to grow or end in a flower, inflorescence is classified into racemose and cymose. In racemose inflorescence, the floral axis continues to grow and produces flowers laterally. On the other hand, in cymose inflorescence, the main axis terminates into a flower. Hence, it is limited in growth.

The arrangement of flowers on the floral axis is turned as inflorescence. Depending on whether the apex gets converted into a flower or continues to grow, two major types of the inflorescence are definedracemose and cymose. This forms the basis for the different types of inflorescence in flowering plants.