spathe

[speyth] /speɪð/
noun, Botany
1.
a bract or pair of bracts, often large and colored, subtending or enclosing a spadix or flower cluster.
Origin of spathe
1775-85; < Latin spatha < Greek spáthē blade, sword, stem; cf. spade2
Related forms
spathed, adjective
Examples from the web for spathe
  • From its base comes a modified leaf called a spathe.
  • The bases of the panicle branches are enclosed in an inflated, tawny spathe as long or longer than the spikelet.
  • The inflorescence is enclosed by a spathe of one or two scale leaves which subtend the first two flowers.
  • The solitary flowers are borne on stalks that elongate out of a tubular sheath, or spathe, that is borne in the upper leaf axils.
  • Unlike typical flowers with colorful petals and sepals, skunk cabbage produces a spiral, sculpted hood called a spathe.
  • The many white flowers are small and enclosed by a spathe.
  • Its inflorescence is a spadix enclosed by a spathe that resembles a trumpet.
  • The flowers are enveloped in a large leafy spathe, which ruptures when the flower opens.
British Dictionary definitions for spathe

spathe

/speɪð/
noun
1.
a large bract, often coloured, that surrounds the inflorescence of aroid plants and palms
Derived Forms
spathaceous (spəˈθeɪʃəs) adjective
spathed, adjective
Word Origin
C18: from Latin spatha, from Greek spathē a blade
spathe in Science
spathe
  (spā)   

A large, leaflike, often showy bract that encloses a flower cluster or spadix, as in the jack-in-the-pulpit or calla lily.