spadix

[spey-diks]

noun

Botany.

plural

spadices 

1. an inflorescence consisting of a spike with a fleshy or thickened axis, usually enclosed in a spathe.

spadix

/ ˈspeɪdɪks /

noun

1. a racemose inflorescence having many small sessile flowers borne on a fleshy stem, the whole usually being surrounded by a spathe: typical of aroid plants

spadix

plural

spadices 

1. A fleshy spike of minute flowers, usually enclosed within a spathe, as in the arums.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadix¹

1750–60; < Latin spādīx a broken palm branch and its fruit < Greek spā́dīx a torn-off palm bough, chestnut brown; akin to spân to tear off

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadix¹

C18: from Latin: pulled-off branch of a palm, with its fruit, from Greek: torn-off frond; related to Greek span to pull off

Example Sentences

The central spike, or spadix, heats up to help spread the smell.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Its hoodlike structure is called a spathe, which envelopes a bulb-shaped structure called the spadix, a fleshy knob dotted by dozens of tiny, petal-less yellow flowers.

Read more on Salon

The plant contains several hundred flowers in the base of its spadix.

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Its compound flower is composed of a hollow, tall spadix with small flowers and a spathe, with one big, furrowed petal that is green on the outside and deep burgundy red on the inside.

Read more on Seattle Times

It features a tall, fleshy column called a spadix and a frilly outer covering called a spathe.

Read more on Los Angeles Times