A synsepal is a floral structure formed by the partial or complete fusion of two or more
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 coined b ...
s. Such sepals are said to be gamosepalous.
It is common among
Lady's Slipper
Cypripedioideae is a subfamily of orchids commonly known as lady's slipper orchids, lady slipper orchids or slipper orchids. Cypripedioideae includes the genera ''Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium'' and ''Selenipedium''. They ...
orchid
Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant.
Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering ...
s (
Cypripedioideae
Cypripedioideae is a subfamily of orchids commonly known as lady's slipper orchids, lady slipper orchids or slipper orchids. Cypripedioideae includes the genera ''Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium'' and ''Selenipedium''. They ...
) that the two lateral sepals are connate to form a synsepal in the outer whorl. This is located directly behind the
pouch, opposite the upward-pointing dorsal sepal.
Synsepals may be bifid, i.e. divided into two equal lobes, or forked and divided in two by a deep cleft.
References
{{reflist
Plant morphology
Orchid morphology