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The anthurium andreanum flower grows on a long yellowish spike called a spadix. The outer portion, called a spathe, is red and leathery.

Anthurium Andreanum Flower

The anthurium andreanum flower grows on a long yellowish spike called a spadix. The outer portion, called…

"Arum maculatum. a, leaves and root; b, spathe, with base of spadix exposed; c, fruit." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Arum Maculatum

"Arum maculatum. a, leaves and root; b, spathe, with base of spadix exposed; c, fruit." — Chambers'…

"1. Spathe of Arum maculatum; 2. its spadix loaded with flowers; 3. an anther; 4. a transverse section of an ovary; 5. a cluster of ripe fruits; 6. a seed; 7. a section of the same, showing the embryo." -Lindley, 1853

Wild Arum

"1. Spathe of Arum maculatum; 2. its spadix loaded with flowers; 3. an anther; 4. a transverse section…

An illustration of a cocoanut palm's flower.

Cocoanut Palm Flower

An illustration of a cocoanut palm's flower.

An illustration of a cocoanut palm's spadix. In botany, a spadix (pl. spadices) is a type of spike: an inflorescence with small flowers crowded on a thickened, fleshy axis. The term is applied to certain monocotyledons, especially members of the Family Araceae called arums or aroids. In these flower heads there is typically also a spathe (from Ancient Greek spathe "broad blade") present: a large, usually showy and solitary, bract that either subtends (lies just below) or partially encloses the spadix. The "flower" of the anthurium is a typical spadix with a large colorful spathe.

Cocoanut Palm Spadix

An illustration of a cocoanut palm's spadix. In botany, a spadix (pl. spadices) is a type of spike:…

"Sagus Rumphii. 1. a flower; 2. the same opened; 3. a section of an ovary; 4. a section of a seed of Sagus filaris; 5. fruit and remains of spadix." -Lindley, 1853

Palm

"Sagus Rumphii. 1. a flower; 2. the same opened; 3. a section of an ovary; 4. a section of a seed of…

"Spadix.--Flower stalk developed in a spatha, or sheath." -Newman, 1850

Spadix

"Spadix.--Flower stalk developed in a spatha, or sheath." -Newman, 1850

Showing the spike of an arum, a spadix.

Arum spadix

Showing the spike of an arum, a spadix.

A spathe is a bract or leaf enwrapping a spike or cluster or blossoms.

Spathe

A spathe is a bract or leaf enwrapping a spike or cluster or blossoms.

"Stemless Palm. b, spadix, with spathe forming a hood over fruit; c, fruit, about one-fifth natural size." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Stemless Palm

"Stemless Palm. b, spadix, with spathe forming a hood over fruit; c, fruit, about one-fifth natural…