How do determinate and indeterminate inflorescences differ?

In angiosperms, inflorescences are categorized by their growth patterns and the timing of flower development. The primary difference lies in whether the main axis continues to grow after flowering begins.12

Indeterminate Inflorescences

In indeterminate inflorescences, the main axis exhibits monopodial growth, meaning it does not cease growing at the onset of flowering. The youngest flowers are located at the top of an elongated axis or in the center of a truncated axis. Common types include racemes, panicles, spikes, corymbs, and heads.12

Determinate Inflorescences

In determinate (cymose) inflorescences, the apical meristem produces a flower at the terminal point, which arrests the growth of the axis. Consequently, the youngest flowers are found at the bottom of an elongated axis or on the outside of a truncated axis. These inflorescences, often called cymes, typically feature sympodial branching.12