tiles


Note:  Do not rely on this information. It is very old.

Petal

Petal (from the Greek petalon, "a leaf"), one of the leaves in the corolla (q.v.), or inner whorl of the floral envelopes, among angiosperms. It is generally attached by a narrow base, delicate in texture, and brightly coloured; and is often odorous, colour and odour serving to attract insects or birds and so secure cross-pollination. This is the main object of the petal. In structure it corresponds to the blade of a foliage-leaf, but is seldom pointed, and is sometimes contracted below into a narrow base or claw, as in the wallflower. Its margin may be bifid, as in chickweed; fringed, as in pinks; or cut up (laciniate), as in the ragged-robin.