spadix

noun

(L. spadix: palm branch) (pl. spadices) A racemose inflorescence, a flowering shoot (a type of spike) with a large fleshy floral axis bearing small, usually unisexual, flowers, i.e. a spike with small flowers crowded on a thickened axis. It is protected by a large petal-like bract, the spathe, and is characteristic of plants of the family Araceae (e.g. calla lily).