The Importance of Calyculi in Flowers

Calyculi (singular: calyx) are the green, leaf-like structures that make up the outermost part of a flower. They are typically found in the outermost whorl of a flower and are responsible for protecting the delicate reproductive organs inside the flower. Calyculi can be either sepals or petals, depending on their function and position within the flower.

Sepals are the green, leaf-like structures that form the outermost part of a flower and protect it during its development. They are usually green and may persist after the flower has opened. Petals, on the other hand, are the colorful parts of a flower that attract pollinators and are typically found inside the sepals.

In some flowers, the calyculi can be highly modified and take on a variety of shapes and colors, such as the spathe of the orchid or the bracts of the poinsettia. These modified calyculi can serve a variety of functions, such as attracting pollinators or protecting the reproductive organs of the flower.