racemous

Racemous is a term used in botany to describe an inflorescence, or a cluster of flowers, with a central axis that elongates and bears stalked flowers. The flowers are typically arranged in a branching pattern along this main axis. The term itself is derived from the Latin word "racemus," meaning a bunch or cluster of grapes. This gives a visual clue to the typical appearance of such an inflorescence, which can resemble a hanging cluster.

In a racemous inflorescence, the oldest flowers are usually found at the base of the main axis, while the youngest flowers are at the apex. This pattern of development is known as acropetal succession. The individual flowers within a racemous inflorescence are borne on pedicels, which are small stalks. The overall structure can vary significantly in size and shape depending on the plant species. Examples of plants with racemous inflorescences include lupines, delphiniums, and foxgloves. The diversity in racemous forms allows for effective pollination strategies adapted to different environments and pollinators. Understanding the structure of racemous inflorescences is important for plant identification and classification.