 Epigyny (source code)

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= Epigyny

<Epigyny> is the floral arrangement in which the <perianth> and \x[stamens]{magic} are inserted above an <inferior ovary>. It describes the attachment of floral structures relative to the <ovary (botany)>, not whether a <flower> points upward or downward.<Glossary of Botanical Terms by PlantNET>[Entry epigynous and Figure12B: inferior ovary and floral parts inserted above it; https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?glossary=yes&ill=Fig.+12+B&page=nswfl&term=epigynous]{ref}

A useful observation is a lengthwise section through a <flower>. Trace the bases of the <sepals>, <petals> and \x[stamens]{magic} toward the <ovary (botany)>. In an epigynous arrangement, their attachment lies above it. Turning the specimen upside down does not change these connections, so it does not change <epigyny>.

The distinction becomes important when the <hypanthium> forms a cup. A cup surrounding an <ovary (botany)> does not alone establish <epigyny>: a free <superior ovary> can also stand inside such a cup. One must inspect attachment and fusion, rather than classify the <flower> from its outline alone.<Glossary of Botanical Terms by PlantNET>[Figure12B compared with12D: inferior ovary versus free superior ovary within a hypanthium]{ref}

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