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Glite Dictionary
involucre

involucre

9.9
A ring of small parts like leaves around the base of a flower
  • noun
  • /ˈɪnvəˌluːkər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : involucro
  • The botanist explained that the involucre consists of several overlapping bracts.

Examples

  • The sunflower's prominent involucre protects its developing seeds.

  • You can easily spot the involucre encircling the base of the artichoke flower.

  • The involucre of the sunflower is quite striking.

  • Many plants feature a colorful involucre surrounding their flowers.

  • The plant's bright yellow flowers are surrounded by a green involucre that adds to its beauty.

  • In some species, the involucre can be quite large, providing support to the blooming flowers.

  • Botanists often study the structure of the involucre to understand its role in attracting pollinators.

Synonyms

involucrum
vsinvolucre
  • Specialized
9.9

A ring of small leaf-like parts that surround a flower or group of flowers

is instead at the base of the whole flower cluster and often more conspicuous

Surface Forms

involucre singular
involucres plural

Etymology

The word involucre comes from the Latin parts in- ('in') and volvere ('to roll') and once meant a 'wrapper'. So an involucre in plants is a ring of leaf-like parts that 'wrap' and protect the base of a flower, which fits the original meaning.