A galea is an overhanging, helmet-shaped, part of the flower
that protects the reproductive parts from precipitation, wind, or unwanted visitors. The galea is composed of one or more
petals or
sepal
A sepal () 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., p. 106 The term ''sepalum'' was coine ...
s that have either fused or folded together. The name is taken from the same word for a
Roman soldier's helmet.
The specific
epithet ''galeatus(-a-um)'', ''galeiformis(-e)'', ''galeritus(-a-um)'' or ''galericulatus(-a-um)'' can be found in nomenclature, referring to a prominent helmet-shaped feature in the organism. There are several genera that have been named to reflect this characteristic: ''
Galeandra
''Galeandra'', abbreviated as Gal in horticultural trade, is a genus of 37 known species of orchids native to South America, Central America, the West Indies and Florida.
Species
Species currently accepted as of June 2014:
#'' Galeandra arundi ...
'', ''
Galearia
''Galearia'' is a genus of plant of the family Pandaceae. It is native to Indochina, insular Southeast Asia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They are large trees or shrub
A shrub (often also called a bush) is a small-to-medium-sized per ...
'' and ''
Galearis''.
References
Plant morphology
Plant reproduction
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