Flower ligules

Flower heads occur alone or in groups at the ends of the stem and axillary branches. Each inflorescence is comprised of many small, yellow, tubular disk flowers in the center, surrounded by 10 to 20 sterile, yellow ray flowers, the ligules of which are often thought of as the petals (Figure 4.3). 

The shape of the individual ligules (often considered to be the petals) varies, with some being wide at the base and others narrow (oblong), the length being 2.6 to 4 times the width. There may be defects in the flower heads such as in the shape, size, presence of doubles, and various deformities. One clone ( Hybrid 120 ) often had flowers that were fused, forming double or triple flowers (Pas ko, 1973). 

The Ligulate or Strap-shaped corolla is nearly confined to the family Compositas. It is usually tubular at the base, the remainder resembling a single petal. Examples Marigold, and Arnica Flowers. 

Liguliflo rcus.—Applied to Compositae flower heads, as those of Dandelion and Chicory, which contain ligulate florets only. 

Most ferns contain sizable quantities of phenolics and tannins so their role in ferns acclimation should not be surprising. However, similar phenolics-elevation trends have been observed in angiosperms in which phenolics metabolism is less important (e.g. Fiussello et al., 1979 Bachereau et al., 1998). For example, recent evidence on the genus Leontodon (Asteraceae) performance in an ample altitudinal range (0 - 3000 m asl) in the European Alps, reveal various sources of variation in their phenolics expression specific plant organ (e.g. in the ligules of flower heads), population, and individuals within a population, season, and elevation (Zidorn and Stuppner, 2001). However, not all phenolic constituents responded similarly. While flavonoids in flower heads of L. helveticus and L. autumnalis followed a clear incremental trend with altitude, phenolic acids remained relatively constant along the transect in L. hispidus. Specific flavonoids also varied within individuals. 

Cmde ligulate florets flower heads flower and herb tincture ointment, and so on crade formerly official in U.S.P. and N.F. 

LiGULE. Strap-shaped organ or body particularly, a strap-shaped corolla, as in the ray flowers of composites also a projection from... 

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