Terminology:
– Terms for aestivation are the same as leaf vernation
– Classes of aestivation: crumpled, decussate, imbricate, contorted, twisted
– Classes continued: cochleate, contortiplicate, quincuncial, induplicate, open
– Classes continued: reduplicate, valvate, vexillary
– Examples: Lilac – valvate aestivation, Phlox – contorted aestivation, Vinca minor – contorted aestivation, Ipomoea – contortiplicate aestivation, Merremia tuberosa – contortiplicate aestivation
References:
– Source: Hickey, M.; King, C. (2001), The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms
– Source location: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
– Wikipedia article stub assistance available
– Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aestivation_(botany)&oldid=1171332895
– Categories: Flowers, Plant morphology, Plant morphology stubs, Hidden categories: Articles with short description, Short description with empty Wikidata description, All stub articles
Aestivation or estivation is the positional arrangement of the parts of a flower within a flower bud before it has opened. Aestivation is also sometimes referred to as praefoliation or prefoliation, but these terms may also mean vernation: the arrangement of leaves within a vegetative bud.
Aestivation can be an important taxonomic diagnostic; for example Malvaceae flower buds have valvate sepals, with the exception of the genera Fremontodendron and Chiranthodendron, which have sometimes been misplaced as a result.