Pronunciation: [ɡlˈuːmz] (IPA) 
The word "glumes" refers to the protective bracts that enclose the florets of grasses. Its spelling, with a silent "g", is attributed to its historical pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "glumes" is pronounced as /ɡljuːmz/. The "g" in this word is not pronounced, and the sound "glu" is pronounced with a "y" sound (as in "you"). The "es" at the end is pronounced as a "z" sound (as in "zoo").
Glumes are a term used in botany to describe the specialized structural parts that form the outer protective layer of the inflorescence, or flower cluster, in certain plants. Specifically, glumes are found in grasses and related plant families, such as sedges and rushes. They are modified leaf-like structures that typically surround the individual flowers or florets within the inflorescence.
Glumes are typically tough and dry, providing a strong protective barrier for the developing reproductive organs within the inflorescence. They can vary in size, shape, and texture depending on the species, but are often papery or membranous in consistency. In some grasses, such as wheat and barley, the glumes are also important for seed dispersal, as they enclose the mature grains.
Often, glumes occur in pairs, with one on either side of the floret. These pairs are known as the lower and upper glume, respectively. They can differ in shape, size, and coloration, offering valuable diagnostic characteristics for identification purposes.
While glumes are primarily protective in function, they can also play a role in attracting pollinators, aiding in the dispersion of pollen, or providing structural support to the inflorescence. Their presence and characteristics are often important identifying features for researchers, botanists, and enthusiasts studying or classifying grasses and related plant species.
The word glumes is derived from the Latin word gluma, which means husk or chaff. In botany, glumes are the protective bracts or modified leaves that enclose the florets of grasses and cereals. The term gluma was first used in this context by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, and it has since been anglicized to glumes.
