Corymbus

Corymbus is a term used in botany to describe a type of inflorescence, which is the arrangement of flowers on a plant. In a corymbus, the flowers are borne on stalks of unequal length, with the lower stalks being longer than the upper ones. This arrangement causes all the flowers to reach approximately the same level, forming a flat-topped or slightly convex cluster. The central flowers typically mature first, with the outer flowers opening progressively later. This developmental pattern is known as acropetal succession, where development proceeds from the base to the apex.

The corymbus is a common inflorescence type found in many plant families, including the Rosaceae (rose family) and Apiaceae (parsley family). Examples of plants that exhibit corymbose inflorescences include yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and elderberry (Sambucus nigra). The overall shape of the corymbus can vary, sometimes appearing as a dense, compact cluster or a more open, spreading arrangement depending on the specific plant species. This specialized arrangement of flowers often serves to attract pollinators efficiently by presenting a large, accessible landing platform for insects.