Petal

Petal (from the Greek petalon, "a leaf"), one of the leaves in the corolla (q.v.), or inner whorl of the floral envelopes, among angiosperms. It is generally attached by a narrow base, delicate in texture, and brightly coloured; and is often odorous, colour and odour serving to attract insects or birds and so secure cross-pollination. This is the main object of the petal. In structure it corresponds to the blade of a foliage-leaf, but is seldom pointed, and is sometimes contracted below into a narrow base or claw, as in the wallflower. Its margin may be bifid, as in chickweed; fringed, as in pinks; or cut up (laciniate), as in the ragged-robin.