Spathe

Spathe, a large sheathing bract (q.v.) enclosing a whole inflorescence, and occurring almost exclusively among Monocotyledons. It may be herbaceous, as in lords-and-ladies; petaloid, in texture and colour, as in the trumpet-lily (Richardia aethiopica); or membranous, as in Narcissus and in the palms. In the daffodil it only encloses a single flower; but in other species of Narcissus, such as the jonquil, as in most other cases, a number. The spathe of the date palm is commonly used in Southern Enrope for packing oranges.