Sepal

A sepal is one of the usually green, leaflike parts forming a flower’s calyx. Sepals commonly enclose and protect the developing flower bud before it opens.

Calyx: The collective whorl of sepals at the base of a flower. Sepals together form this outer floral whorl.
Aestivation (botany): The arrangement of sepals or petals in a flower bud before they open. It describes how sepals are positioned around the unopened bud.
Plant identification: The determination of a plant’s identity using observable traits and reference systems. Separation, number, and shape of sepals can distinguish related species.
Leaf: A plant organ specialized primarily for photosynthesis, gas exchange, and water regulation. Sepals are leaflike, but arise as specialized floral organs.
Petal: A usually colorful floral part that lies inside the sepals and often attracts pollinators. Petals sit just inside the sepals in the typical flower.
Floral development: The sequence of processes by which a plant meristem forms and matures a flower. Sepals arise early as the outer organs of a developing flower.
Floral symmetry: The pattern of symmetry formed by a flower’s organs around its axis. Sepal arrangement can contribute to a flower’s overall symmetry.
Tepal: A floral part in which sepals and petals are not clearly distinguishable. Tepals replace the distinct sepal–petal distinction found in many flowers.
Flower: The reproductive structure of flowering plants, typically containing organs for producing seeds. A sepal is one component of this reproductive structure.
Phyllotaxis: The arrangement of leaves or other organs around a plant stem or growing tip. Patterns of organ placement help determine sepal arrangement.

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