Functions of Sepals

The functions of Sepals are stated below:

• Sepals are present at the base of the flower and act as a natural shield by encasing the petals and other floral parts, hence providing protection against environmental threats such as extreme weather conditions, grazing animals and pests.
• Sepals also prevent the flower from drying out and play a role in the adaptation of plants to their environment.
• In some plants that lack petals, sepals function as petals and help in attracting pollinators. Example, Bougainvillea and Clematis.
• Sepals protect both flowers and fruits by secreting chemicals that are capable of warding off predators.
• In some plant species, sepals serve as thorns and function by protecting the flowers. For example, in water chestnuts the thorns are a modification of sepals.
• While sepals generally serve a protective function, their appearance can vary significantly among different plant species. Some flowers have sepals that closely resemble the petals, creating a harmonious and unified appearance. In contrast, other flowers have sepals that stand out distinctly from the petals, offering a complementary or contrasting visual effect. The diversity in sepal morphology adds to the fascinating array of floral structures found in nature.
• The buds are under the protective cover of sepals until they’re ready to bloom. The sepals then shed off in most cases.
• In some cases, sepal grows larger and protects the fruits from honey bee, birds and different kinds of insects and pests.
• The calyx is commonly persistent and remains patent when the fruit ripens, in contrast to the other floral parts that shed off once the fruit matures. Example, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Also Read: Pollination

Sepals are small leaf-like green outermost part of flowers. Together, they form the outermost whorl of a flower. This whorl is called the calyx. Sepals function as protective structures that cover the bud and provide structural integrity to the petals that form the corolla. There are different types of sepals based on their shapes and modifications. Some commonly observed examples of sepals include the urn-shaped green structure at the base of Hibiscus, marigolds, etc., and a cap-like green structure at the top of brinjal, tomato, etc.