Inflorescence scapose, with bracts subtending each flower. It forms axillary inflorescences that are paniculate and distinctively shorter than the subtending leaves. Bracts that appear in a whorl subtending an inflorescence are collectively called an involucre. The uppermost leaves form bracts subtending the blooms. The buds develop before the subtending leaves expand. The stem or stalk subtending a flower is called a peduncle. A series of bracts subtending the calyx (see below) is an epicalyx. An epicalyx is present, which is a series of subtending bracts that resemble sepals. The spillway connects to a diversionary canal subtending a loop of the Po. The rachillae bear short round bracts subtending triads of large flowers throughout. Ovaries are short and flask-shaped, not much longer than the subtending catkin scale. The inflorescence has leaf-like bracts subtending the individual flowers. Advanced DCSs can support numerous subtending rings simultaneously. Their disposition can be alternate, opposite, or whorled (usually alternate except when subtending an inflorescence). Technically this is any bract that arises "on" a pedicel instead of subtending it.