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
Lithophragma heterophyllum and usually divided into about three pointed lobes. Lithophragma heterophyllum Lithophragma heterophyllum is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family known by the common name hillside woodland star. It is native to the coastal mountain ranges of California, where it can generally be found in shady habitat. It is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing erect or leaning with a slender naked flowering stem. The leaves are located on the lower part of the stem, each divided into rounded lobes. The stem bears 3 to 12 flowers, each in a cuplike calyx of red or green sepals. The five