Flower Structure and Function

Flowers are the reproductive structures of a flowering plant. They are the primary structures used in grouping plant families.

Function

• Reproduction, beginning with pollination and fertilization.
• Advertisement and rewards to lure a pollinator.
• Horticultural uses
  • Aesthetic qualities
  • Cut flowers and potted blooming plants
  • Edible flowers and herbs
  • Plant identification[/column][/columns]

Structure

• Pistil – Central female organ of the flower. It is generally bowling-pin-shaped and located in the center of the flower.
  • Stigma – Receives pollen, typically flattened and sticky
  • Style – Connective tissues between stigma and ovary
  • Ovary – Contains ovules or embryo sacs
  • Ovules – Unfertilized, immature seeds

• Stamen – Male flower organ
  • Anthers – pollen-producing organs
  • Filament – Stalk supporting anthers
• Petals – Usually colorful petal-like structures making up the "flower," collectively called the corolla. They may contain perfume and nectar glands.
• Sepals – Protective leaf-like enclosures for the flower buds, usually green, collectively called calyx. Sometimes highly colored like the petal as in iris.
• Receptacle – Base of the flower
• Pedicel – Flower stalk of an individual flower in an inflorescence

Source: colostate.edu

Links

• Plantopedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin