What is "acropetal"

Acropetal \A*crop"e*tal\, a. [Gr. 'a`kros summit + L. petere to seek.] (Bot.) Developing from below towards the apex, or from the circumference towards the center; centripetal; -- said of certain inflorescence.

a. (context botany English) That develops, matures or opens from the base towards the apex in sequence

adj. of leaves or flowers; developing or opening in succession from base to apex [ant: basipetal]