Answer: A. Sepals: These are the small, leaf-like parts growing at the base of the petals. They form the outermost whorl of the flower. Collectively, sepals are known as the calyx. The main function of the calyx and its sepals is to protect the flower before it blossoms(in the bud stage).
Explanation: When a flower is a bud, it is surrounded by sepals, which in many cases are green, as in this example. They protect the flower bud and are behind/underneath the petals when the flower opens. Together, all of the sepals are called a calyx.
