210 KINDS OF DEFINITE INFLORESCENCE, 
occur in those which have alternate leaves, as for instance in the 
species of Ranunculus (fig. 432). In definite inflorescences the 
flower-buds necessarily follow a different order of expansion from 
those of indefinite inflorescences, because in them the terminal 
flower is the first developed and 
JA consequently the oldest (fig. 
Pe 452, f’), and other flower-buds 
es are produced in succession 
} from the apex to the base, if 
the axis be elongated, f’ f’” ; 
or if shortened or dilated, from 
the centre to the circumfer- 
ence. The uppermost flower- 
bud of the elongated primary 
axis (fig. 432, f’), and the 
central one of the shortened 
or dilated axis will accord- 
ingly open first ; and the ex- 
pansion of the other flower- 
buds will proceed insuccession 
downwards, or towards the 
circumference, according to 
the character of the primary 
axis. Such an order of expan- 
sion is called centrifugal or 
regressive. Hence while the 
indefinite kinds of inflores- 
cences are characterised by 
an acropetal, progressive, or 
Peter 0 centripetal order of expan- 
Fig. 432. A plant of Ranunculus bulbosus. sion ; those of definite infior- 
w, a’. Primary axis terminated by a fully escences are regressive or cen- 
expanded flower, 7’. a’’. Secondary axis, : 
which is also terminated by a flower, 7”, trifugal. 
not so fully developed asj’, a’’, Tertiary Kinds of Definite or Deter- 
axis terminated by a flower-bud, 7”, which : I Th 
is less developed than 7/ and 7”, minate nflorescence. a e€ 
kinds of definite inflorescence 
are also termed cymose, as the general name of cyme is applied 
to all such inflorescences. But some are also distinguished by 
special names :— 
a. The Cyme.—This term is applied generally to a definite 
inflorescence which is more or less branched, the whole being 
developed in a corymbose or somewhat umbellate manner, so 
as to assume either a flattened head, as in the Laurustinus 
(fig. 433), Dogwood, and Elder ; or a rounded one, as in the 
Hydrangea ; or more or less spreading, as in the Chickweed (fig. 
434) and Centaury (jig. 435). Inthe more perfect and compact 
form of cyme, as found in the Laurustinus and Elder, the flower- 
buds are all nearly perfect before any of them open, and then the 
flowering takes place rapidly, commencing in the centre of the 
