semiptocaly

Semipterocaly is a term used in botany to describe a type of floral structure in which the perianth (the collective term for the sepals, petals, and other floral appendages) is only partially fused at the base. This means that while the floral parts may be fused together at the base, they are not completely fused throughout their entire length. The degree of fusion can vary, and in some cases, the floral parts may be only partially fused at the base and then separate again, forming a structure that is intermediate between completely fused (syngenesious) and completely separate (apogamous) floral parts.

Semipterocaly is often found in the family Asteraceae (formerly known as Compositae), which includes many familiar plants such as daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. In these plants, the floral parts are typically fused at the base, forming a tube-like structure, but they are not completely fused throughout their entire length. This type of floral structure is thought to have evolved as a way to increase the efficiency of pollination, as it allows for more efficient transfer of pollen between flowers.

Semipterocaly is also found in other plant families, including the family Apiaceae (formerly known as Umbelliferae), which includes plants such as carrots, parsley, and celery. In these plants, the floral parts are typically fused at the base, forming a tube-like structure, but they are not completely fused throughout their entire length. This type of floral structure is thought to have evolved as a way to increase the efficiency of pollination, as it allows for more efficient transfer of pollen between flowers.

Overall, semipterocaly is an important feature of many plant families and is thought to have evolved as a way to increase the efficiency of pollination. While the degree of fusion can vary, semipterocaly is typically characterized by a partial fusion of the floral parts at the base, with the floral parts separating again at some point along their length.