Head (botany)

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"Flower head" redirects here. For the band, see Flowerhead.

The capitulum is considered the most derived form of inflorescence.[1] Flower heads found outside Asteraceae (such as those of Eryngium or Jasione) shows lesser degrees of specialization.

Diagram of a flower head. Note bracts surrounding the flowers, which would be absent on a capitulum.

Flower head of a common daisy (Bellis perennis)

Flowers open in succession in head of a sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Close up of the ray corolla of a Hieracium lachenalii; every "petal" is actually a separate five-petaled flower complete with its own stamens and making its own fruit.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Hutchinson, John (1964). The genera of flowering plants (Angiospermae). Oxford: Clarendon Press. LCCN 65-676. 


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