Pronunciation: [ˈɛpɪpˌɛtələs] (IPA) 
Epipetalous is a botanical term used to describe floral parts that are attached to the petals. The word is pronounced /ɛpɪˈpɛtələs/ (eh-pi-PET-uh-luhs) which can be broken down into individual phonemes: /ɛ/ (eh) for the first short "e" sound, /p/ (pi) for the "p," /ɪ/ (ih) for the short "i," /ˈpɛt/ (PET) for the stressed syllable, /ə/ (uh) for the schwa sound, and finally /ləs/ (luhs) for the "l" and "s" sounds.
Epipetalous is an adjective used in botany to describe a specific characteristic of a flower. This term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "epi" meaning "upon" or "on" and "petalon" meaning "petal." When flowers are described as epipetalous, it means that their stamens (male reproductive structures) are attached or fused to the petals, specifically on the surface or near the base of the petals.
Typically, flowers have separate and distinct sets of stamens and petals. However, in epipetalous flowers, the stamens appear to arise directly from the petals or are somehow connected to them. This fusion or attachment of stamens and petals may occur in various ways, such as the stamens being adnate to the petals (stuck to them), connate (fused with the base of the petals), or inserted onto the petals.
The term epipetalous is essential for botanists and plant enthusiasts as it helps to identify and distinguish flowers with this unique characteristic. It provides a way to classify and categorize floral structures that deviate from the usual pattern of separate stamens and petals. By understanding whether a flower is epipetalous or not, researchers can gain insights into its evolutionary history, pollination strategies, and reproductive biology.
Inserted upon the petals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "epipetalous" has its roots in Greek.
The term comes from the combination of two Greek words: "epi", meaning "on" or "upon", and "petalon", meaning "a leaf or petal".
In botanical terms, "epipetalous" is used to describe flowers in which the stamens are attached to the petals or to the corolla tube, rather than to the receptacle of the flower.
