What Is the Corolla of the Flower?
The most visible and colorful parts of a plant are the petals, which are collectively known as the corolla. Flowering plants are the most dominant plant type, with over 250,000 species worldwide. Does this Spark an idea?
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Petals
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The majority of petals have bright or bold colors that are pleasing to humans, as well as to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Fragrances and nectar are often found at the base of the corolla.
Purpose of Corolla
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Petals evolved as a showy, colorful means of attracting pollinators to flowers. When these creatures visit a flower, they seek its sweet nectar. After scrambling to take a sip, they also become covered in pollen, which is then taken to other plants in the species for reproduction.
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Complete Flowers
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A flower is said to be complete if it has petals (the corolla), a stamen, a pistil and sepals. A stamen is the male reproductive organ and holds pollen. A pistil receives pollen and is the female reproductive organ. Sepals are small, leaf-like structures at the base of the corolla, usually green but sometimes the same color as the petals. Sepals protected the newly forming flower bud. Incomplete flowers lack at least one of these four parts. Botanists divide flowers in this manner as a means of classification.
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References
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