koszyczkowy

Koszyczkowy is a botanical term describing a type of inflorescence, commonly known as a capitulum, that is characteristic of the Asteraceae family. In a koszyczkowy head, numerous small flowers, or florets, are grouped into a compact, head-like structure that often resembles a single flower. The head is usually sheltered by a set of bracts forming an involucre.

Etymology and appearance: The word koszyczkowy derives from koszyczek, Polish for “little basket,” a reference to the basket-like form of the flower head. Depending on the species, the capitulum may consist solely of disk florets or include ray florets that give the impression of petals surrounding a central disk.

Morphology and function: The koszyczkowy head consolidates many florets into a single reproductive unit, facilitating pollination and seed production. Florets can be perfect or unisexual, and outer ray florets often serve as visual guides for pollinators, while disk florets occupy the central zone.

Taxonomic usage and distinction: The term is widely used in botanical descriptions and keys to distinguish inflorescence types. It is contrasted with other forms such as spike- or panicle-like arrangements, which are structurally different from a compact head.

Examples: Many common plants have koszyczkowy flower heads, including Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Bellis perennis (common daisy), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), and Cichorium intybus (chicory).

See also: capitulum, Asteraceae, inflorescence, ray and disk florets.