Labeling Parts of a Flower Stamen

The stamen, or microsporophyll, is the pollen producing part of a flower. Often called the male reproductive organ of the flower, the number and arrangement of the stamens is used to classify the flower.

Stamen Location

The stamen is typically located between the central pistil and the surrounding petals on a bisexual flower. In some plants (unisexual), some of the flowers have only stamens or pistils.

Parts of the Stamen

A stamen has two parts: a slender stalk (the filament) tipped by a pollen sac (the anther) in pollen grains develop. Nectaires are sometimes found at the base of the stamen. These are small secretory structures.

Number of Stamens in a Flower

The number of stamens varies in plant families but usually equals the number of petals on a flower.

Stamen Construction

Flowers are constructed to promote cross pollination. On most flowers, the stamens may be longer than the pistil, or the placement of the stamen in relation to the pistil will prevent self pollination.

Maturation of Stamen and Pistil

To prevent self pollination, some flowers have different maturation times for the stigma of the pistil and for the anther of the stamen.