What is meant by polysepalous calyx?

A polysepalous calyx refers to a type of flower structure where the sepals, which are the outermost whorl of floral organs that protect the developing flower bud, are separate from each other, rather than fused or united. Each individual sepal in a polysepalous calyx is distinct and not fused to any of the other sepals in the same whorl.

In contrast, a gamosepalous calyx is one in which the sepals are fused together to varying degrees, forming a single unit. The terms "polysepalous" and "gamosepalous" are used to describe the number of sepals and whether they are separate or fused.

This terminology is often used in botany to describe the structural characteristics of flowers and their various parts. The calyx is just one of the floral whorls; the others include the corolla (made up of petals), the androecium (male reproductive organs, i.e., stamens), and the gynoecium (female reproductive organs, i.e., pistils).