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ray

flower part
Also known as: ligule

Quick Summary

A ray flower is a type of flower found in composite plants, such as asters. These marginal flowers are distinct from the disk flowers, which are located in the center of the plant's head. In some plants, like chicory, the entire head consists of ray flowers and lacks disk flowers. Flowers, in general, are the reproductive structures of plants, containing male and/or female organs. They can be borne singly or in clusters called inflorescences.12

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