What is Calyx?

Table of Contents

• Calyx Meaning
• Forms of Calyx
• Difference between Calyx and Corolla
• Frequently Asked Questions

Calyx Meaning

The outermost whorl of the flower is referred to as the calyx. Sepals are the functional units of the calyx, meaning that the calyx is a collection of sepals. The sepals are mostly green in colour and protect the inner structures of the flower from breakage, mechanical injury and desiccation. It supports the other internal structures of flowers such as the corolla, gynoecium and androecium. Corolla is the collection of petals, androecium is the male reproductive whorl and gynoecium is the female reproductive whorl of the flower.

The calyx is found just below the corolla. In some plants, the calyx and corolla are indistinguishable and are termed as perianth. Once the flower has bloomed, the calyx goes on to support the development of fruit. Sometimes, an additional whorl is found externally to the calyx that consists of a whorl of bracts that arise by the union of sepal appendages.

Forms of Calyx

• Polysepalous: When the calyx consists of sepals that are free from each other, it is referred to as polysepalous. E.g., Rose, Cassia
• Gamosepalous: When the sepals are fused in the calyx, it is referred to as gamosepalous. E.g., Datura
• Caducous: When the sepals of a flower wither or drop off, it is referred to as caducous. E.g., Poppy
• Petalloid: In petalloid conditions, the sepals of the flowers are coloured. E.g., Delphinium
• Persistent: In this form, the sepals do not wither and are persistent even in the fruits. E.g., Brinjal

Difference between Calyx and Corolla

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Also Read:

• The Longitudinal Section of Flower
• Morphology of Flowering Plants
• Definition and Types of Inflorescence