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Glite Dictionary
🥄 A small cup 🌸 A group of bracts
calyculus

calyculus

9.9
A group of small leaf-like parts under the flower's outer cup
  • noun
  • /ˈkælɪkələs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calículo
  • The carnation's calyculus is easily seen beneath its showy petals.

Examples

  • Some species display a prominent calyculus that can be mistaken for part of the true calyx.

  • A botanist pointed out a well-developed calyculus in the hibiscus flower he dissected.

  • The calyculus is often overlooked in floral studies.

  • In hibiscus, the calyculus provides additional support for the flower.

  • A botanist pointed out a well-developed calyculus in the hibiscus flower he dissected.

  • Some species display a prominent calyculus that can be mistaken for part of the true calyx.

  • The carnation's calyculus is easily seen beneath its showy petals.

Synonyms

calycle
vscalyculus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small green leaf-like parts under a flower that protect it and look like a calyx

is the same structure but is an alternative name
false calyx
vscalyculus
  • Specialized
9.3

A group of leaf-like parts under a flower that look like the green outer leaves

is located specifically beneath the actual calyx rather than unspecified position
epicalyx
vscalyculus
  • Specialized
9.9

A ring of small leaflike parts outside the base of a flower, as in hibiscus or carnation

is positioned beneath the actual calyx rather than outside it

Surface Forms

calyculus singular
calyculi plural

Etymology

Calyculus comes from the Latin calyx ('cup') and the diminutive -culus ('little'), so it means a 'little calyx' or 'small cup' under the flower. That's why a calyculus refers to the small ring of bracts that sits beneath the true calyx in flowers like carnations and hibiscus.