Apsidioles

Apsidioles are small, often secondary, apices or extensions found in certain botanical structures, most notably in the cypsela, the characteristic fruit of plants in the family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae). These structures are not the primary apex or tip of the organ but rather appendages or outgrowths located near it. In the context of a cypsela, apsidioles are typically found at the apex, often appearing as small, lobed, or winged structures that can vary in size and shape. They are distinct from the pappus, which is a modified calyx that often surrounds the apex of the cypsela and aids in seed dispersal. The presence and morphology of apsidioles can be important taxonomic features for identifying and classifying species within the Asteraceae family. Their exact function is not always clear, but they may play a role in dehiscence, structural support, or even in attracting dispersers, though this is less common. The term originates from the Greek word "apsis," meaning orbit or loop, and "-ole," a diminutive suffix, suggesting a small, secondary loop or extension.