Ray flower, also known as a ligulate flower, is a common term used to describe a type of flower characterized by its flattened, strap-like petals. This type of flower is often found in the Asteraceae family, and it is also commonly referred to as a daisy or sunflower. Other synonyms for the term "ray flower" include "ligule flower," "strap flower," "tongue flower," and "pappus flower." These terms all refer to the same type of flower and are often used interchangeably depending on the context of the discussion. Regardless of the terminology used, ray flowers are a beautiful and important part of many plant species.