Sepal Sepal A sepal ( or ) is a part of the flower of angiosperms (flowering plants). Usually green, sepals typically function as protection for the flower in bud, and often as support for the petals when in bloom. The term "sepalum" was coined by Noël Martin Joseph de Necker in 1790, and derived from the Greek σκεπη ("skepi"), a covering. Collectively the sepals are called the calyx (plural calyces), the outermost whorl of parts that form a flower. The word "calyx" was adopted from the Latin "calyx", not to be confused with "calix", a cup or goblet. "Calyx" derived from
Lophospermum scandens with age and developing a woody caudex – a swollen, bulb-like structure at the base of the stem. The leaf stalks (petioles) are long, occasionally twining to grasp supports, thus enabling the plant to climb. The leaves are narrowly heart-shaped, long by wide, with a pointed apex and toothed edges (dentate or crenate). The leaves and stems are sparsely covered with short hairs. "Lophospermum scandens" flowers and fruits from May to November in its native habitat. The flowers are borne singly on stems (peduncles) long. The calyx has sepals that are generally narrowly ovate, long and wide at the base,