Involucre Collection

Species of thistles (litho)
6013435 Species of thistles (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Species of thistles)

BAL08421RF009
Autumn aster flowers of Aster Cordifolius Little Carlow

BAL08421RF008
Autumn aster flowers of Aster Cordifolius Little Carlow

Endolepis Suckleyi, 1. Staminate flower, 2. Vertical section of the same, with the lobes of the calyx inflexed, 3. Pistillate flower, with the involucre entire, 4

Obione suckleyana, 1. Staminate flower spread open, 2. Pistillate flower in its involucre, 3. Same veritcally divided, 4. Fruit in its involucre, 5. Cross section of the same, 6

Conrus kousa Southern Cross in bloom C016 / 8752
Maturing blooms of the dogwood, Cornus Kousa Southern Cross". Each bloom appears to be a single flower; in fact, it consists of a mass of small flowers arranged in a cyme (green )

Dandelion flower, light micrograph
Dandelion flower. Light micrograph of a section through a flower from a dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) plant. The flower stem (bottom) is made up of parenchyma cells (light blue)

Greater burdock burr caught on wool
Greater burdock burr (Arctium lappa) caught on wool. The burr contains individual fruits (achenes) attached by a papery bract (modified leaf, top)

Greater burdock burr (Arctium lappa). This structure contains individual fruits (achenes), attached by a papery bract (modified leaf)

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"Involucre: A Cloak of Protection in the Plant Kingdom Species of thistles, such as Litho (BAL08421RF009) and BAL08421RF008, showcase their unique beauty with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These thistles possess a remarkable feature called involucre - a protective structure surrounding their flowers. Take Endolepis Suckleyi for instance. Its staminate flower (1) displays delicate petals embraced by an elegant involucre. Meanwhile, Obione suckleyana reveals its staminate flower spread open (1), while the pistillate flower hides within its secure involucre (2). Moving on to Corylus maxima Purpurea, we find ourselves captivated by the close-up view of its fruit. Enclosed within a tubular involucre, this nut thrives in gardens across Suffolk, England. Nature's diversity continues to amaze with Conrus kousa Southern Cross in bloom C016 / 8752. This enchanting plant showcases not only its blossoms but also the protective embrace of an exquisite involucre. Even humble dandelions have something extraordinary to offer under microscopic examination. Their light micrograph reveals intricate details of their captivating flowers surrounded by a delicate involucre. In contrast to these floral wonders stands the Greater burdock burr (Arctium lappa). Equipped with hooked bracts forming an ingenious mechanism for dispersal, this burr attaches itself firmly onto surfaces it encounters - be it wool or any other material unfortunate enough to cross its path. The resilience and adaptability displayed by plants through their diverse forms of involucres remind us that nature always finds ways to protect and propagate life. "