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 calla, dracaenium, and pathos, the florets cover it on all sides; in arum, they are disposed on the lower part only; and in nosfera on one side. See BOTANY.