What is the new Microsoft Word icon (the flower thingy in the upper left hand corner) called?

Answer 1

The icon you mention is the Office 2007 button, located on the top-left of the window, replaces the File menu and provides access to functionality common across all Office applications, including but not limited to Opening, Saving, Printing, and Sharing a file. Users can also choose color schemes for the interface. Here you can learn more about Microsoft Office 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Office_2007