🥚 Egg white cord 🌱 Plant ovule base

chalaza

9.9

Part at the base of a plant ovule where inner and outer layers join

noun
/kəˈleɪzə/

Specialized

: chalaza

The fusion of integument and nucellus at the chalaza is vital for seed development.

Examples

Nutrients are transported from the chalaza to the developing embryo sac in flowering plants.
In botanical diagrams, the chalaza is always marked at the base of the ovule.
The chalaza is essential for the structure of the ovule.
In many plants, the chalazae help anchor the ovule.
In botanical diagrams, the chalaza is always marked at the base of the ovule.
Nutrients are transported from the chalaza to the developing embryo sac in flowering plants.
The fusion of integument and nucellus at the chalaza is vital for seed development.

Surface Forms

chalaza singular

chalazas plural

chalazae plural

Etymology

Chalaza comes from the Greek word chalaza, which meant 'small lump' or 'hailstone'. In botany the chalaza is the little 'knot' at the base of the ovule where tissues join, so the name helps you remember it as a small joining lump.