flower-head
Noun: - Botanical term: A "flower-head" is a compact cluster of flowers arranged on a short, flattened axis, typical of plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It consists of many small individual flowers (florets) that appear as a single bloom.
- (The central disk and surrounding petals form one composite bloom.)
- (They examine the arrangement of florets.)
"Flower-head development": the process by which a flower-head forms and matures.
- The flower-head opens gradually as the outer ray florets expand first. (The blooming sequence begins with the outermost flowers.)
"Flower-head size": a characteristic used in horticulture to describe the diameter of the bloom.
- Cultivars of chrysanthemums are bred for larger flower-heads. (The size of the composite bloom is a key trait.)
Flower-head (also written as flower head): the same botanical structure.
- The dandelion's flower-head closes at night. (The cluster of florets reacts to light.)
Head (n): a shortened form used in botany.
- In daisies, the head is surrounded by bracts. (The flower-head is enclosed by modified leaves.)
Capitulum: the formal botanical term for a flower-head.
- The capitulum of a daisy is actually an inflorescence. (A cluster of small flowers.)
Composite flower: a common name for a flower-head in the Asteraceae family.
- The sunflower is a composite flower with a large head. (It is made of many tiny florets.)
- "Flower-head in full bloom": a phrase used to describe the peak flowering stage.
- The garden was stunning with each flower-head in full bloom. (Every cluster of flowers was open and vibrant.)
Head up (a flower): to form a flower-head.
- The plant begins to head up in late summer. (The flower-head starts to develop.)
Go to head: to produce a flower-head (often used for lettuce or cabbage).
- If the lettuce goes to head, it becomes bitter. (It forms a compact cluster of leaves or flowers.)