rayflorets

Ray florets are the peripheral florets of the capitulum, or flower head, in most members of the flowering plant family Asteraceae. They form a ring around the center of the head and are often more conspicuous than the central disk florets. Most ray florets are ligulate, possessing a single strap-shaped corolla called a ligule, and they usually show bilateral symmetry. They are commonly sterile or functionally female, while the central disk florets are typically fertile and produce seeds. In many species the rays attract pollinators and help display the head, while the disk florets contribute to reproduction.

Variation in appearance and presence is widespread. Some genera have heads composed almost entirely of ray florets, as in Taraxacum (the dandelion), while others possess both ray and disk florets, forming the familiar daisy-like heads. Many taxa lack true ray florets altogether, producing heads that consist only of disk florets.

Ecology and evolution of ray florets are tied to pollination strategies. The conspicuous outer rays enhance visibility to pollinators and can influence foraging behavior, whereas the central disk florets typically drive seed production. The arrangement and development of ray versus disk florets have played a role in the diversification of the Asteraceae, contributing to a variety of floral displays across species.

Examples include the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), the common daisy (Bellis perennis), and the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Together, ray and disk florets form the characteristic composite inflorescence that defines many members of the family.