The Science of the Parts of a Flower & Their Functions

Gynoecium

• The gynoecium consists of the female reproductive parts of a flower. The carpal, or pistil, is where the reproductive organs are housed. The carpal, which is green, is usually located in the center of the flower. It consists of the stigma, style and ovary. The stigma is at the top of the carpal. It is the sticky area where pollen is collected. The style is a tube that connects the stigma and ovary. Sperm from pollen travels down this tube to the ovary.The ovary contains female egg cells, or ovules. When the ovules are fertilized, they form seeds. These seeds eventually grow into fruit.

Androecium

• The androecium is the name of the male reproductive structures. The stamen is the part of the androecium that produces pollen. It usually surrounds the pistil. Each stamen consists of filament and an anther. Filament is what allows the anther to remain rigid. The anther is the location of pollen production. Sperm develops within each grain of pollen. Some flowers can be without an androecium. If they are, the pollen produced by plants is transferred to a pistil of another flower by wind, insects or other animals. Self-fertilization can occur when the pollen is fertilized in the same plant.

Perianth

• The perianth is the nonreproductive area of the flower. The corolla is the colorful area of the flower; it consists of a group of petals that are colorful to attract insects and animals. Petals come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their scent and nectar also act as attractants. Plants that do not have colorful petals rely on wind and water to transport pollen. The calyx is the area of the perianth that is green; it is formed by sepals, which are leaf-like in appearance.

Receptacle

• The receptacle is another nonreproductive area of a flower. This is the lower green structure of the flower that gives it support and a usually upright position. The penduncle allows the other parts of the flower to be attached to the receptacle. It helps protect the ovaries from damage by animals.