Floral Anatomy and Pollination

Flashcards for key terms and concepts related to floral anatomy and pollination syndromes.

Anther

Part of the stamen that produces pollen.

Stamen

The male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the anther and filament.

Filament

The stalk that supports the anther.

Petal

The colorful part of a flower that attracts pollinators.

Corolla

The entire whorl of petals in a flower.

Sepal

The outermost whorl of a flower that protects the developing flower.

Calyx

The entire whorl of sepals.

Pistil

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of stigma, style, and ovary.

Ovary

The swollen base of the pistil that contains ovules and develops into fruit.

Inflorescence

A group or cluster of flowers.

Pollination syndrome

The characteristics of flowers that attract specific pollinators.

Monoecious species

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

Dioecious species

A plant species where individual plants are either male or female.

Beetle pollination syndrome

Flowers that are generally dull in color with strong odors, attracting beetles.

Bee pollination syndrome

Flowers that are brightly colored and often marked with guides that direct bees to nectar.

Bird pollination syndrome

Flowers that are often bright and produce copious nectar, suited for hummingbirds.

Bat pollination syndrome

Flowers that open at night, are dull in color, and are large enough for bats to access.

Lepidopteran pollination syndrome

Flowers that often have sweet fragrances and are colored for night-flying moths.