Acalycal

/eɪˈkælɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Without a calyx; lacking the external leafy or sepals at the base of a flower.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'kalyx' (calyx) + Latin '-al' (relating to). This botanical term combines negative prefix with flower structure terminology.

Kelly Says

Flowers are like little puzzles for botanists—by quickly noting whether a flower is 'acalycal' (missing the calyx) or has one, they can narrow down what plant species they're looking at, making this simple description incredibly useful for field identification.

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