Kelkachtige

Kelkachtige is a Dutch botanical term used to describe structures in flowering plants that resemble or function as a calyx. The calyx (kelk) is the outer floral envelope, usually formed by sepals. When a structure is described as kelkachtig, it indicates a calyx-like origin or appearance, even if it does not meet strict taxonomic definitions of a true calyx.

In botanical descriptions, kelkachtige features can include sepals that are free or fused to form a cup or tube, as well as persistent or bract-like coverings around the fruit. The term is often used to convey how the outer envelope looks or behaves, emphasizing form and function rather than naming a distinct plant group. An example often cited in horticulture is the persistent calyx surrounding the fruit in Physalis species, which gives a husk-like appearance and is described as calyx-like.

Relation to other terms is mainly descriptive rather than taxonomic. Kelkachtige notes help writers and readers visualize the flower or fruit and can be contrasted with coronachtige (corolla-like) or other floral-enveloping morphologies. Although helpful in keys and floras, the interpretation of kelkachtig can vary among authors and plant groups, so it is important to consider the context of the particular description.

Etymology and usage: the term combines kelk (calyx) with -achtig (like), yielding a straightforward descriptor for calyx-like structures. See also calyx, bract, involucre, and plant morphology for related concepts.