Skip to main content

    Calyx

    /KAY-liks/
    🌸 Flower Parts●● Intermediate

    The outermost whorl of a flower, composed of all the sepals. The calyx encloses and protects the developing flower bud. It may be fused (gamosepalous) or have separate sepals (polysepalous).

    Etymology

    From Latin calyx, from Greek kalyx, meaning "husk, shell, cup."

    Example

    The persistent calyx of a strawberry remains attached to the fruit as it ripens.