Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

Source : WordNet®

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