Spathe

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Spathe

Spathe (/speɪð/; from the Greek word "σπάθη", meaning "blade") is a term used in botany to describe a type of large, often colorful bract or modified leaf that encloses a flower cluster or spadix in certain plant families.

Etymology

The term "spathe" is derived from the Greek word "σπάθη", which translates to "blade". This is in reference to the blade-like shape of the spathe in many plant species.

Description

A spathe is typically a large, showy, leaf-like bract that surrounds and protects the flowers of certain plant families, such as the Araceae (arum family) and the Palmae (palm family). The spathe can vary greatly in appearance, ranging from green and leaf-like to brightly colored and petal-like. It often serves to attract pollinators to the flowers it encloses.

Related Terms

  • Bract: A modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis, or cone scale.
  • Spadix: A type of inflorescence common to the family Araceae, where it is surrounded by a spathe. It consists of a thickened, fleshy axis bearing small flowers.
  • Inflorescence: The complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers.

See Also

External links

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