Lemma
/ˈlɛmə/
Definition
Lemma refers to the lower of the two bracts that enclose each floret in grasses and other members of the grass family. It sits outside the palea, which is the inner bract, and may be membranous, firm, or bear an awn, a bristle-like extension. The lemma helps protect the flower and later the developing grain, and its shape and texture are often used to identify grass species.
Function in Plants
- Floret protection: In grasses, lemma helps enclose the flower and later the developing grain, reducing physical damage as the floret matures.
- Seed dispersal traits: In some species, the structure may carry an awn, a bristle-like extension that can aid dispersal and affect how the seed unit settles into soil.
- Grass identification: Its size, texture, veins, and awn presence are important characters for identifying grass species and separating closely related groups.
- Relation to the palea: It works with the palea, another bract-like part of the floret, and the way these two fit together is a standard feature used in grass morphology.
Related Terms
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