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Glite Dictionary
hypanthium

hypanthium

9.9
A cup or tube on a flower that holds petals and stamens
  • noun
  • /haɪˈpænθiəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipantio
  • The cherry blossom's hypanthium is particularly prominent during early flowering.

Examples

  • Botanists studied the structure of the hypanthium to classify various members of the rose family.

  • The hypanthium of the apple flower provides structure for the developing fruit.

  • A swollen hypanthium can sometimes help attract pollinators to a flower.

  • The hypanthium of the rose flower is quite distinct.

  • Some species of fruit trees have a hypanthium that is edible.

  • In many roses, the hypanthium plays a key role in the flower's overall shape and form.

  • During the spring, the hypanthium of the cherry tree expands, contributing to its beautiful blossoms.

Synonyms

calyx tube
vshypanthium
  • Specialized
9.9

A tube-shaped part of a flower that holds the leaf-like parts under the petals, often seen in roses

is the same structure but the technical botanical name
floral cup
vshypanthium
  • Specialized
7.6

A cuplike part at the base of a flower that holds small parts like petals and stamens

is the same concept but used more in specific plant families

Surface Forms

hypanthium singular
hypanthiums plural
hypanthia plural

Morphology

hypanthium = hypo + anth + ium

This is a learned botanical term built from Greek-based elements, but its meaning is not recoverable for an average English learner from the visible parts alone.

Etymology

Hypanthium comes from the Greek parts hypo- 'under' and anthos 'flower'. It names the cup-like part that sits 'under' the petals, stamens, and sepals, so you can remember it as the little 'under-flower' cup that holds the flower parts.