monochasium

(monochasial cyme) A *cymose inflorescence in which only one axillary bud develops into a lateral branch at each node. Laterals may arise on alternate sides of the stem (a scorpioid monochasium) or may arise on one side only (a helicoid monochasium), which gives an asymmetrical appearance to the inflorescence. Compare dichasium. See also bostryx , cincinnus , rhipidium.