hypanthium
/haɪˈpænθiəm/
noun
- The cup-like structure in a flower that holds the petals, sepals, and stamens, often surrounding the ovary.
- The botanist explained how the hypanthium helps protect the developing seeds.
- Students examined the hypanthium of a rose to understand its floral structure.
- In an apple flower, the hypanthium becomes part of the fruit that we eat.