Parts of a Generalized Flower

Flowers are not just beautiful, but are also vital to the existence of many species. There are more than 250,000 flowering plants, and these plants depend on their flowers for reproduction. Without them, humans and animals would have a lot less to eat. Most flowers are comprised of male and female parts. The following sections diagram the parts of a complete flower.

Stamen

The male reproductive structures are called stamens, and each consists of a stalk which holds an anther at its tip. Pollen develops within the anthers. The fine, dust-like grains of pollen contain two cells, one of which divides to form sperm cells.

Pistil

The female reproductive structure in a flower is called the pistil and is composed of the sticky receptive stigma that catches pollen. The style is a different length for each species of flower and enables the stigma to reach out in length.

Ovary

The ovary is at the base of the pistil. The ovary eventually becomes the fruit and contains one or more undeveloped seeds, or ovules, which contain an embryo (miniature undeveloped plant in a seed) waiting to be fertilized by a sperm.

Stem and Sepals

The rest of the flower consists of the stem, sepals and petals. The sepals branch out from the stem and usually provide a base from which the petals bloom. At the center of the petals are the above-mentioned reproductive parts.

Petals

The petals of a flower are by far the most alluring parts not only to human eyes but also to carriers of pollen such as bees, butterflies, other insects and sometimes animals such as birds. Each flower species is designed with a particular color, shape and pattern on their petals to attract the right carrier.