Hypogynous

/haɪˈpɒdʒɪnəs/ adjective

Definition

Describing flowers where the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached below the ovary, making the ovary superior. This arrangement places the female reproductive parts at the highest position in the flower.

Etymology

From Greek 'hypo' meaning under or below and 'gyne' meaning woman or female, literally meaning 'below the female parts.' This botanical term describes the position of floral parts relative to the ovary in flower structure.

Kelly Says

In hypogynous flowers, the ovary sits like a queen on her throne - everything else (sepals, petals, stamens) bows down below her, which is why we call it a 'superior ovary' even though it's physically on top!

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