Anatomy of a Flower

The anatomy of a flower consists of many different parts. Some of the most important parts being separated into both male and female parts. The type of flower, and how the reproductive parts are organized, will tell us what methods of pollination are necessary to develop fruit.

Self-Pollinating Flowers

Also called a “Perfect Flower” this flower has both the male parts and female parts in the same flower. Examples: roses, lilies, and dandelion.

Parts of the Flower

Calyx

Outermost protective sheath of the flower comprised of a grouping of sepals that may be separate or united once open. Sepals are the parts that look like little green leaves that cover the outside of a flower bud to protect the flower before it opens.

Blossom End (Ovary)

The part of the plant, usually at the bottom of the flower, that has the seeds inside and turns into the fruit that we eat. The ovary contains ovules. Ovules are the part of the ovary that becomes the seeds.

Pistil

This is the female part of the flower. It is made up of the stigma, style, and ovary. Each pistil is constructed of one to many rolled leaflike structures.

Filament

This is the fine hair-like stalk that the anther sits on top of. The Anther is the part of the stamen that produces and contains pollen. It is usually on top of a long stalk that looks like a fine hair.

Stamen

This is the male part of the flower. It is made up of the filament and anther, it is the pollen producing part of the plant. The number of stamen is usually the same as the number of petals.

Petals

The colorful, often bright part of the flower. They attract pollinators and are usually the reason why we buy and enjoy flowers.

Cross-Pollinating Flowers

Also called an “Imperfect Flower” this flower has either all male parts or all female parts, but not both in the same flower. Examples: cucumbers, pumpkin, and melons.

Parts of the Flower

Ovary

The part of the plant, usually at the bottom of the flower, that has the seeds inside and turns into the fruit that we eat. The ovary contains ovules. Ovules are the part of the ovary that becomes the seeds.

Stigma and Style

One of the female parts of the flower. It is the sticky bulb that you see in the center of the flowers, it is the part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate.
The Style is another female part of the flower. This is the long stalk that the stigma sits on top of.

Stamen

This is the male part of the flower. It is made up of the filament and anther, it is the pollen producing part of the plant. The number of stamen is usually the same as the number of petals.

Petals

The colorful, often bright part of the flower. They attract pollinators and are usually the reason why we buy and enjoy flowers.