Horticulture - Sexual Reproduction

Flower

Primary sexual reproductive organ

4 classic flower parts

• Sepal

• Petal

• Pistil

• Stamen

Sepal

Base of a flower, plays no direct role in sexual reproduction

Petal

Most colorful and largest part of flower, located above sepal, plays no direct role in sexual reproduction, however supports through attracting

Pistil

Female part of flower, direct role in sexual reproduction

• Stigma

• Style

• Ovary

Stigma

The part of pistil where pollen germinates

Style

Long slender section of the pistil that connects the stigma to the ovary, serving as a pathway for pollen to reach the ovary.

• Long slender section underneath the stigma

Ovary

The part of the pistil that contains ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization.

• The bulged portion of the pistil at its base. Contains the placenta, which produces Megasporangia, also known as ovules

Stamen

The pollen producers, made of two parts

• Anthers and Filament

Anthers

Where the male genetic information (pollen) is produced

Filament

Slender, thread-like structure that supports the anther in flowering plantsand connects it to the stamen. It plays a crucial role in ensuring proper positioning for pollen dispersion.

Calyx

Term referring to sepals

Corolla

The collective term for all the petals of a flower, often colorful and attractive, to attract pollinators.

Emasculate

To remove the anthers from a flower to prevent self-pollination or cross-pollination.

• Ex: Florists usually take off anthers before putting lilies in a bouquetto ensure longer vase life and prevent pollen staining.

Complete

Flowers that contain all 4 parts

Incomplete

Flowers that are missing one or more of the four main parts

Perfect

Flowers that have both male and female reproductive structures.

Imperfect

Flowers that are missing either male or female reproductive structures.

Pistillate

A flower that contains only female reproductive structures, lacking stamens.

Staminate

A flower that contains only male reproductive structures, lacking pistils.

Monoecious

A plant species that produces both male and female flowers on the same individual.

Most famous monoecious plant

Corn

Dioecious

A plant species that has male and female flowers on separate individuals, requiring both sexes for reproduction.

• Importance: May want fruit to display, fruit may be disgusting/ non-aesthetic

Ilex verticillata

Winterberry

Juniperus virginiana

Eastern red cedar