Parts of a Flower - Diagram and Functions (2024)

This entry was posted on May 24, 2023 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on June 5, 2023)

A flower is the reproductive structure of an angiosperm or flowering plant. Each of the parts of a flower has a unique function that contributes to the plant’s successful reproduction. Here are the different parts of a flower, their functions, and a look at how pollination takes place.

Parts of the Flower and Their Functions

Flowers have two primary parts: the vegetative part, which includes the petals and the sepals, and the reproductive part, encompassing the stamen (male reproductive organ) and the pistil or carpal (female reproductive organ).

Vegetative Parts of a Flower (Perianth)

  1. Petals (Corolla): Petals are usually the most noticeable part of a flower and serve a vital function in attracting pollinators. The vibrant colors and enticing scents of petals attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
  2. Sepals (Calyx): These are small, modified leaves that enclose and protect the flower bud before it opens. They are often green, but in some flowers they are brightly colored and resemble the petals.
  3. Receptacle: This is the part of the flower where the flower attaches to the stalk.
  4. Peduncle: The peduncle is the formal name for a flower stalk.

Reproductive Parts of a Flower

The reproductive structures of flowers are separate male and female parts:

Male Parts (Stamen or Androecium)

  1. Anther: This part of the stamen produces and contains pollen. The anther is usually at the end of a thin tube-like structure called the filament.
  2. Filament: The filament is a stalk that holds up the anther, making the pollen accessible to pollinators or wind.

Female Parts (Pistil or Carpel or Gynoecium)

  1. Stigma: This is the part of the pistil that receives. It is often sticky or feathery for trapping and holding onto the pollen grains.
  2. Style: This is the long tube-like structure that connects the stigma and the ovary. Once a pollen grain lands on the stigma, it grows a pollen tube down the style to reach the ovary and accomplish fertilization.
  3. Ovary: This is the part of the pistil that holds the ovule(s). It is within the ovary that fertilization occurs and seeds develop.
  4. Ovule: The ovule is the potential seed within the ovary. Each ovule contains an egg cell. When an ovule is fertilized by a sperm cell from a pollen grain, it develops into a seed.

Worksheet: Label the Parts of a Flower

[Google Apps worksheet][worksheet PDF][worksheet PNG][answers PNG]

The Function of a Flower

The primary function of a flower is reproduction, ensuring the survival of the species. Through the process of pollination and fertilization, flowers produce seeds. Each seed contains a new plant, waiting for the right conditions to grow.

<!-MONUMETRIC Repeatable 2 D:300x250 T:300x250 M:300x250,320x50 START->

<!-MONUMETRIC Repeatable 2 D:300x250 T:300x250 M:300x250,320x50 ENDS->

Pollination Processes

Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma. This process can occur through self-pollination or cross-pollination:

  1. Self-pollination: This occurs when the pollen from an anther deposits onto the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. Self-pollination is common in plants that have flowers that do not open or are not particularly showy, such as peanuts and peas.
  2. Cross-pollination: This occurs when pollen transfers from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on a different plant of the same species. Wind, water, and animals (bees, birds, ants, bats, etc.) commonly facilitate cross-pollination. This process promotes genetic diversity among plants.

There are many different processes and agents that assist in pollination. Here are the most common ones:

  1. Anemophily (Wind pollination): In anemophilous plants, the flowers are usually small, inconspicuous, and produce large amounts of lightweight pollen, which is easily carried by the wind. Examples include grasses, corn, wheat, and many other grain-producing plants.
  2. Hydrophily (Water pollination): Hydrophilous plants are usually aquatic, with flowers that release their pollen directly onto the water’s surface. The pollen floats with water currents until it encounters a suitable stigma. Seagrasses and some species of algae exhibit this type of pollination.
  3. Entomophily (Insect pollination): This is the most common type of pollination process where insects, like bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles, transfer pollen as they move from flower to flower to gather nectar. These flowers are often brightly colored and have a strong fragrance to attract insects.
  4. Ornithophily (Bird pollination): In ornithophilous plants, birds (e.g., hummingbirds, honeyeaters, and sunbirds) serve as the pollen vectors. These flowers are often colorful (especially red) but usually lack a strong scent, as birds have a keen vision but a poor sense of smell.
  5. Chiropterophily (Bat pollination): Bats pollinate certain flowers. The bats visit the flowers for nectar, pollen, or fruit. These flowers usually open at night, are large, and often have a strong, fruity or fermented odor to attract bats.
  6. Mammal pollination (Zoophily): Some mammals (e.g., monkeys, lemurs, possums, rodents, marsupials) help in the pollination process. The fruit or nectar of the flowers attracts them.
  7. Malacophily (Snail pollination): Pollen sticks to snails and deposits onto the flower’s stigma.
  8. Autogamy (Self-pollination): This is when the pollen from an anther falls onto the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This process doesn’t require a pollinator.
  9. Geitonogamy: This is a form of self-pollination. Pollen transfers from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same plant.

By using these different agents and methods, plants ensure that their pollen reaches the female parts of other plants, promoting genetic diversity and the continuation of their species.

References

  • Ackerman, J. D. (2000). “Abiotic pollen and pollination: Ecological, functional, and evolutionary perspectives”. Plant Systematics and Evolution. 222 (1): 167–185. doi:10.1007/BF00984101
  • De Craene, Ronse; P., Louis (2010). Floral Diagrams. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-511-80671-1. doi:10.1017/cbo9780511806711
  • Esau, Katherine (1965). Plant Anatomy (2nd ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-471-24455-4.
  • Mauseth, James D. (2016). Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN 978-1-284-07753-7.

Related Posts

Parts of a Flower - Diagram and Functions (2024)

References

Top Articles
iRobot Roomba Comparison - What's The Best Model For Your Money in 2022?
Faltenfilter Für Bosch GAS 25, GAS25 GAS 50, GAS 50M Kassette Filter Staubsauger • EUR 17,99
Spasa Parish
Rentals for rent in Maastricht
159R Bus Schedule Pdf
Sallisaw Bin Store
Black Adam Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Delano
Espn Transfer Portal Basketball
Pollen Levels Richmond
11 Best Sites Like The Chive For Funny Pictures and Memes
Things to do in Wichita Falls on weekends 12-15 September
Craigslist Pets Huntsville Alabama
What's the Difference Between Halal and Haram Meat & Food?
R/Skinwalker
Rugged Gentleman Barber Shop Martinsburg Wv
Jennifer Lenzini Leaving Ktiv
Justified - Streams, Episodenguide und News zur Serie
Craigslist Apartment Los Angeles
Epay. Medstarhealth.org
Olde Kegg Bar & Grill Portage Menu
Cubilabras
Half Inning In Which The Home Team Bats Crossword
Amazing Lash Bay Colony
Juego Friv Poki
Dirt Devil Ud70181 Parts Diagram
Truist Bank Open Saturday
Water Leaks in Your Car When It Rains? Common Causes & Fixes
What’s Closing at Disney World? A Complete Guide
New from Simply So Good - Cherry Apricot Slab Pie
Drys Pharmacy
Ohio State Football Wiki
FirstLight Power to Acquire Leading Canadian Renewable Operator and Developer Hydromega Services Inc. - FirstLight
Webmail.unt.edu
2024-25 ITH Season Preview: USC Trojans
Restored Republic December 1 2022
12 30 Pacific Time
Jami Lafay Gofundme
Litter-Robot 3 Pinch Contact & Dfi Kit
Greenbrier Bunker Tour Coupon
No Compromise in Maneuverability and Effectiveness
Paper Io 2 Unblocked Games Premium
Black Adam Showtimes Near Cinemark Texarkana 14
Ice Hockey Dboard
Über 60 Prozent Rabatt auf E-Bikes: Aldi reduziert sämtliche Pedelecs stark im Preis - nur noch für kurze Zeit
Wie blocke ich einen Bot aus Boardman/USA - sellerforum.de
Craigslist Pets Inland Empire
Infinity Pool Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Bakersfield
Hooda Math—Games, Features, and Benefits — Mashup Math
How To Use Price Chopper Points At Quiktrip
Maria Butina Bikini
Busted Newspaper Zapata Tx
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6125

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Birthday: 2000-07-07

Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

Phone: +2556892639372

Job: Investor Mining Engineer

Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.