Concept: This question tests your understanding of different types of inflorescences and their characteristic arrangements of flowers, specifically focusing on the order of flower maturation.

Why (D) is correct: In a cymose inflorescence, the main axis terminates in a flower, and further growth occurs from lateral buds. This results in the older flowers being at the apex (terminal position) and the younger flowers developing at the base or laterally. This type of development is called basipetal succession.

Why other options are wrong:

• (A) Hypanthodium: This is a specialized type of cymose inflorescence (e.g., fig) where flowers are borne on the inner surface of a fleshy, hollow receptacle. It doesn't describe the general arrangement of younger/older flowers.
• (B) Head (Capitulum): This is a type of racemose inflorescence where sessile flowers are borne on a flattened receptacle. The arrangement of flowers is centripetal (younger at center, older at periphery).
• (C) Racemose: In a racemose inflorescence, the main axis continues to grow indefinitely, and flowers are borne laterally in an acropetal succession (younger flowers at the apex, older at the base). This is the opposite of what the question describes.

Common Mistake: Students often confuse acropetal and basipetal succession, which are key to distinguishing racemose and cymose inflorescences.

NEET Tip: Remember: Racemose = Reaches up (acropetal, younger at apex); Cymose = Closes up (basipetal, older at apex).

Correct Answer: (D)