A spike-like inflorescence with small flowers crowded on a thick, fleshy axis, typically enclosed or subtended by a large bract called a spathe. Characteristic of the arum family.
From Greek 'spadix' meaning 'palm frond' or 'torn-off branch,' referring to the thick, club-like appearance of this inflorescence type. The term was adopted into botanical usage in the 18th century to describe the distinctive flower spikes of arums and their relatives.
The spadix is like nature's corn-on-the-cob of flowers! In plants like the peace lily or jack-in-the-pulpit, hundreds of tiny flowers are packed onto a thick, fleshy spike that often heats up to help volatilize attractive scents - some actually get warm enough to melt snow around them!
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