Flower Anatomy and Reproductive Structures: Key Concepts for Biology

Flowers

They play a key role in pollination.

Stamen

Male parts of a flower.

Stamen

Male reproductive part; involved in sexual reproduction and pollination; contains multiple parts.

Filament

The stalk of the stamen; holds up the anther and supports it.

Anther

Sac-like portion that produces pollen and holds pollen grains on top of a long stalk.

Pollen

The sperm of the flower; grain released by the flower.

Pistil

Female part of the flower; made up of 4 parts.

Stigma

Sticky surface at the top of the pistil; traps and holds pollen.

Style

Supports the stigma; tube-shaped middle part that allows passage for pollen.

Ovary

Swollen base of the pistil that contains eggs and develops seeds.

Ovule

Contains seeds and female germ cell; becomes the seed.

Petals

Colorful leaf-like structures that attract bees for pollen; protect inner parts.

Corolla

All petals together.

Sepals

Leaf-like structures beneath petals; usually green; protect the flower before it blooms.

Calyx

All sepals together.

Receptacle

Flower base; thickened part of the flower stalk.

Node

A joint.

Complete Flower

All major parts: pistil, sepals, petals, and stamens.

Incomplete Flower

One or more major parts are missing.

Perfect Flower

Both stamens and pistils; fully functioning.

Imperfect Flower

Either stamens or pistils are missing.

Solitary Flowers

One flower per stem.

Inflorescence

A group of flowers/multiple blooms per stem.

Florets

The small clusters of flowers in an inflorescence.

Peduncle

The main stem of an inflorescence.

Pedicel

The branch from the peduncle that supports individual flowers.