Pappus

Pappus [ Botany ]	Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

A modified calyx crowning the ovary (achene) composed by a cluster of bristles, scales, featherlike hairs or a mixture of these in plants of the Family Compositae; may aid in seed dispersal.

A pappus is a highly modified calyx, which is a funnel of sepals. Each tiny floret on the head of a plant in the Asteraceae has one, and in some cases these are modified into more or less elaborate bristles that act as a parachute. And by the way, each seed is actually a separate fruit called an achene and pappus greatly helps wind dispersing such seed.

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