Etymology From Latin and Greek meaning the outer covering of a bud, flower or fruit. Similar to the Latin calix, meaning cup.
Meaning
This is the collective term for all of the sepals of a flower.
Usage and examples
The calyx is the protective layer when the flower is enclosed in the bud. The sepals can be grown together or separate and are normally green.
- The collective term for all of the petals in a flower is corolla.
- When the petals and the sepals look similar the term is tepals (for example, tulips)
- The collective term for the calyx and corolla is perianth.
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| The (rather hairy) calyx of this common chickweed (Stellaria media) is clear to see as the petals are so small. |
History
One of the first written examples that the OED has of calyx is that in 1686 by the proclaimed father of English natural history, John Ray, in his three volume History of Plants.
Bibliography
"calyx, n.". OED Online. December 2012. Oxford University Press. 21 February 2013 <http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/26611?redirectedFrom=calyx&>.
Allaby, M. (2012) Oxford Dictionary of Plant Sciences, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
"Petal". Wikipedia. December 2012. Wikipedia.org. 21 February 2012
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petal>
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