pappus

views updated May 11 2018

pappus A tuft of hairs or bristles, derived from the calyx, that terminates the fruit of many Compositae and Valerianaceae.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

pappus

views updated May 29 2018

pappus A group of modified sepals, often in the form of a ring of silky hairs. For example, when the fruit of the dandelion matures a pappus of hairs persists at the top of a thin stalk forming a parachute-like structure, which serves to disperse the fruit.

A Dictionary of Biology

pappus

views updated May 18 2018

pappus (bot.) downy appendage on fruits. XVIII. — Gr. páppos (i) grandfather, (ii) down on plants.
So pappose (-OSE1) XVII.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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Pappus

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