A * racemose inflorescence in which the flowers are formed on stalks (peduncles) arising alternately or spirally from the main axis. Each stalk is a raceme. The peduncles may be long and spreading, as in oats (Avena), or short, resulting in a spikelike inflorescence, as in timothy grass (Phleum pratense). The panicle is thought to be the most primitive form of racemose inflorescence from which the other types have probably evolved. The term is also sometimes used to describe any type of branching inflorescence. |
