Editing Sepal (section)

==Function==
Similarly to ordinary leaves, sepals are capable of performing [[photosynthesis]]. However, photosynthesis in sepals occurs at a slower rate than in ordinary leaves due to sepals having a lower [[stoma]]tal density which limits the spaces for gas exchange.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Aschan |first1=G. |last2=Pfanz |first2=H. |last3=Vodnik |first3=D. |last4=Batič |first4=F. |date=1 March 2005 |title=Photosynthetic performance of vegetative and reproductive structures of green hellebore (Helleborus viridis L. agg.) |journal=Photosynthetica |language=en |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=55–64 |doi=10.1007/s11099-005-5064-x |s2cid=24426595|doi-access=free |bibcode=2005Phsyn..43...55A }}</ref>

After flowering, most plants have no more use for the calyx which withers or becomes vestigial, although in a few plants such as [[Lodoicea]] and [[eggplant]] (''Solanum melongena'') the calyx grows along with the fruit, possibly to protect the attachment point.  Some plants retain a thorny calyx, either dried or live, as protection for the fruit or seeds. Examples include species of ''[[Acaena]]'', some of the [[Solanaceae]] (for example the [[Tomatillo]], ''Physalis philadelphica''), and the [[water caltrop]], ''Trapa natans''. In some species, the calyx not only persists after flowering but instead of withering, begins to grow until it forms a bladder-like enclosure around the fruit. This is an effective protection against some kinds of birds and insects, for example in ''[[Hibiscus trionum]]'' and the [[Physalis|Cape gooseberry]].  In other species, the calyx grows into an [[accessory fruit]].