The two-word phrase commonly used as a crossword clue refers to the strap-like, often brightly colored petals found on certain flowers, particularly those in the Asteraceae family. These petal-like structures are technically individual flowers themselves, playing a crucial role in attracting pollinators. A common example is the sunflower, where the outer “petals” are individual ray flowers surrounding a central disc of disk flowers.
These floral structures are significant for both plant reproduction and the aesthetic appreciation of flowers. Their bright colors and unique shapes attract insects, birds, and other pollinators, facilitating the transfer of pollen and seed production. They have also historically been subjects of artistic representation and cultural symbolism, often associated with beauty, joy, and the cycle of life.
