Epigyny

/ɛˈpɪdʒɪni/ noun

Definition

A botanical condition where the flower's sepals, petals, and stamens are attached above the ovary, making the ovary appear to be below the other flower parts.

Etymology

From epi- (upon) + -gyny (female); contrasts with hypogyny (below) and perigyny (around), describing the positional relationship in flower anatomy.

Kelly Says

Epigyny versus hypogyny is like asking whether the party decorations hang *above* or *below* the cake—it's a small difference that tells botanists a lot about how the flower developed.

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