noun
- A specialized flower cluster found in plants of the genus Euphorbia, consisting of a cup-shaped involucre containing male and female flowers.
Usage: botanical term; plural: cyathia
Examples
- The cyathium of the poinsettia is surrounded by colorful bracts that are often mistaken for petals.
- Botanists study the structure of the cyathium to understand Euphorbia reproduction.
- Each cyathium contains multiple staminate flowers and a single pistillate flower.
- The involucre of a cyathium produces nectar that attracts pollinators.