epicalyx

9.9

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

noun
/ˌɛpɪˈkeɪlɪks/

Specialized

: epicaliz

The epicalyx is a key identifying feature of the hibiscus flower.

Examples

Each bract in the epicalyx can resemble a miniature leaf.
The epicalyx is often mistaken for the calyx in many flowers.
Botanists often study the structure of the epicalyx to classify plant species.
In hibiscus, the epicalyx adds to the flower's beauty.
Botanists often study the structure of the epicalyx to classify plant species.
The epicalyx is a key identifying feature of the hibiscus flower.
In hibiscus, the epicalyx adds to the flower's beauty.

Synonyms

calyculus

vsepicalyx

Specialized

9.9

A group of small leaf-like parts under the flower's outer cup

is a whorl lying outside the true calyx rather than directly beneath it

calycle

vsepicalyx

Specialized

9.9

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

focuses on a distinct whorl outside the true calyx not just beneath the flower

false calyx

vsepicalyx

Specialized

9.3

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

is a specific whorl positioned outside the true calyx not any bract cluster

Surface Forms

epicalyx singular

epicalyces plural

Morphology

epicalyx = calyx (transparent) = epi + calyx

Formed by the productive combining form 'epi-' meaning 'on/outside' plus 'calyx', so the sense 'a structure outside the calyx' is predictable from the base.

Etymology

Epicalyx comes from two parts: epi- meaning 'on' or 'upon' and calyx meaning the flower's 'cup' that holds the petals. So an epicalyx is a ring of small leaf-like parts that sit on the outside of the flower's main 'cup', which helps you remember why it lies outside the true calyx.