A ring or whorl of small, leaf-like structures located just outside or beneath the true calyx (sepals) of a flower.
From epi- (upon/outside) + calyx (the outer flower parts, from Greek kalyx, cup). The term indicates this is an additional structure surrounding the standard calyx.
Roses and strawberries have epicalyces that look like a second row of tiny leaves protecting the flower—it's nature's way of adding extra structural support and beauty!
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