Purdue Arboretum botanical terminology reference and learning database.
Calyx The outer structure of a flower, consisting of individual petal-like parts called sepals Did you know? The leafy green crown on top of a strawberry is the persistent calyx that remains after flowering.
Campanulate Having a bell-shaped flower (like the Campanula, commonly known as Bellflower) Did you know? Bell-shaped flowers often shelter nectar from rain while giving bees a clear entrance.
Capitulum A small flower head. This feature helps explain how flowers are arranged, how pollination happens, or how seeds begin to form. Did you know? A sunflower head is not one flower. It is a capitulum made of hundreds or even thousands of small flowers.
Capsule A dry dehiscent fruit composed of more than one carpel.
Corolla The petals of a flower, collectively. This feature helps explain how flowers are arranged, how pollination happens, or how seeds begin to form.
Corona Petal-like or crown-like structures between the petals and stamens of some flowers.
Corymb A flat-topped flower cluster in which the outer flowers open first Did you know? Flat-topped corymbs create landing platforms where pollinators can visit many small flowers efficiently.
Cyme A convex or flat flower cluster, with the central flowers opening first
Cypsela A dry single-seeded, fruit consisting of an achene with a closely adhering calyx sheath, characteristic of the aster family (Asteraceae or Compositae.) Did you know? Each tiny dandelion “parachute” carries a cypsela, a one-seeded fruit of the aster family.
The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations