Parts of a flower
Functions of the parts of the flower
Sepals: The sepals enclose and protect the developing flower until it is ready to open. Look at the photo below.
Petals: Petals are often the largest and most brightly colored part of the flower. Their main function is to attract animals such as butterflies, bees, hummingbirds or even bats to the flower.
Anther: The anther makes pollen. Pollen is very important in plant reproduction.
Filament: The filament is thin tube which supports the anther.
Note: Together, an anther and a filament are known as a stamen. The stamen is the male part of the flower.
Stigma: The function of the stigma is to receive pollen. For instance, as an insect moves around inside a flower, it can move pollen grains from the anther to the stigma. An insect can even move pollen grains from one flower to the stigma of another flower. When the stigma receives pollen, this is known as pollination.
Style: The style supports the stigma. It also connects the stigma to the ovary. After pollination, the pollen grain grows a tube down through the style all the way into the ovary.
Ovary: The ovary of a flower contains ovules. When these ovules are fertilized, they develop into seeds and the ovary develops into a fruit.
Note: The stigma, style and ovary are the female parts of a flower. Together, the female parts of a flower are known as the pistil.
Look at the photo below. Let’s identify the parts that we can see.
Note: Not all flowers have both male and female parts. Some flowers only have male parts and are called male flowers. Some flowers only have female parts and are called female flowers.