Calyx

The calyx is the most outer whorl of a flower. A calyx is made of leaf-like segments called sepals, and it is likely that the sepals evolved from leaves. Both seapls and leaves have similar form, color, and vein patterns. Sepals probably evolved to protect a budding flower. Also molecular biology has shown that genes that affect leaves also affect sepals. There can be little doubt that the calyx evolved from regular leaves.

Ca"lyx (?), n.; pl. E. Calyxes (#), L. Calyces (#). [L. calyx, -ycis, fr. Gr. husk, shell, calyx, from the root of to cover, conceal. Cf. Chalice Helmet.]

1. Bot.

The covering of a flower. See Flower.

The calyx is usually green and foliaceous, but becomes delicate and petaloid in such flowers as the anemone and the four-o'clock. Each leaf of the calyx is called a sepal.

2. Anat.

A cuplike division of the pelvis of the kidney, which surrounds one or more of the renal papilae.

© Webster 1913.