What Are the Functions of Flowers in an Angiosperm?

Flowers are appreciated by most people, but actually exist to attract pollinators like bees.

Angiosperms are flowering plants characterized by seeds that are enclosed in a carpel, or vessel. The vessel distinguishes angiosperms from gymnosperms, which have exposed seeds and from which angiosperms once evolved. Angiosperms account for 90 percent of all plant species.

Flowers

Flowers are an identifying characteristic of angiosperms. Flowers house pollen and lead to the ovary, where seeds and fruit develop. Carpels are the female part of a plant, also called the pistil. The main purpose of a flower is to attract pollinators like bees, hummingbirds and insects that will consume nectar in exchange for cross-pollinating with other flowers in the species.

Flower Colors

Bright colors on flowers are also designed to attract pollinators. Bees are able to see violets, blues and yellows, while hummingbirds often select red flowers. Some blooms even have contrasting colors to point bees to the nectar.

Fruit

Once the plant is fertilized with pollen, the ovary develops into a fruit that encloses seeds. Fruit is often an attractant for animals that consume the tissue and spread plant seeds.

References

• Department of Biology, University of New Mexico: Flowering Plants
• Clinton Community College: Seed Plants
• Faculty Websites, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Angiosperms