The lower part of the flower is called the calyx. The outer green coverings of the flower bud are called the calyx lobes. Calyx lobes remain visible in the mature fruit of some apples, pears, and quinces.

Closed calyx. A calyx whose lobes fold over each other in such a way that the center is completely obscured. Connivent. A term applied to calyx lobes which are upright and have the tip inclined toward the axis. Convergent. A term applied to calyx lobes which are flat and inclined toward the axis. Deciduous. A term applied to calyx lobes which fall away, like those of the Sand

Pears and of some pure-Siberian-crab species. Divergent or reflexed. Terms applied to calyx lobes which turn backward. Open calyx. A calyx whose lobes flare out in such a way that the center is clearly exposed. Partly open calyx. A calyx whose condition is intermediate between the open and the closed state. Persistent calyx. A calyx whose lobes remain attached to the fruit, as in some apples, pears, and quinces.

In examining different specimens of the same variety of a species we often find great variation in the above features.

Fig. 40. A, basin; B, calyx; C, axis; -D, cavity; E, stem.