SPADIX, in botany, anciently signified the receptacle of the palms. It is now used to express every flower-stalk that is protruded out of a spathe or sheath.
The spadix of the palms is branched; that of all other plants simple. This last case admits of some variety: in callis, draconium, and pothos, the florets cover it on all sides; in arum, they are disposed on the lower part only; and in zosteria on one side.