Pappus

Pappus, a circlet of hairs taking the place of the limo of the calyx (q.v.) in many Composite (q.v.) and some allied orders of plants. In the dandelion it is stipitate or stalked, being carried up on a tubular prolongation of the receptacle. In the salsify it is sessile. In the former case the hairs are unbrancned or pilose; in the latter, and in thistle-down, they are feathery or plumose.