A determinate inflorescence where the central or terminal flower opens first, followed by flowers on lateral branches in succession. The main axis terminates in a flower, limiting further growth.
From Greek 'kyma' meaning 'wave' or 'swelling,' referring to the wavelike pattern of flower opening from center outward. The term entered botanical nomenclature in the 19th century to describe this inside-out flowering pattern.
Cymes flip the usual flowering script by starting at the center and working outward, like ripples in a pond! This 'determinate' pattern means the main stem stops growing once it flowers, creating a self-limiting system that's the opposite of racemes and spikes.
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