Flower Terminology

Sepal

Leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud before it opens

Petal

Often colorful parts that attract pollinators

Calyx

All the sepals together

Corolla

All the petals together

Stamen (Male Part) Made Up of Anther and Filament

Produces pollen, and holds up the other

Pistil (Female Part) Made Up of Three Parts. Stigma, Style, Ovary

Receives pollen

Connects stigma to ovary

Contains ovules (future seeds)

Composite Flower

Looks like one flower but is actually many tiny flowers (e.g., daisy)

Ray Flower

Petal-like outer flowers in composites

Disk Flower

Small central flowers in composites

Disk

The central area of a composite flower

Lipped Flower

Flower shaped like lips (common in mint family)

Spurred Flower

Has a tube-like extension (spur) holding nectar

Pea-Like Flower

Flowers shaped like those in the pea family (with banner, wings, keel)

Bracts

Modified leaves near a flower (sometimes look like petals)

Head

Cluster of many small flowers forming one unit

Spadix

Fleshy spike of tiny flowers (e.g., calla lily)

Spathe

Large leaf-like structure surrounding a spadix