Flower Structure

Flowers on plants come in various shapes and sizes, and they serve the purpose of reproduction through pollination. Pollination occurs when pollen cells are transferred from the stamen (male reproductive part of a flower) to the pistil (female reproductive part of another flower of the same species).

This process can be facilitated by insects, such as bees, which are attracted to flowers for their nectar. As the bees collect nectar, pollen cells may stick to their legs and be transferred to another flower when the bee flies to it. This transfer of pollen can fertilise the egg cells of the flower, leading to the production of seeds.

  • Both plants and pollinators, such as bees, rely on each other for their survival and reproduction.

A bee with striking black and yellow stripes perched on the yellow centre of a white daisy, surrounded by a field of similar daisies in full bloom.

In the diagram below, you can see the different parts of a flower.

Diagram illustrating the various parts of a flower, highlighting in detail its anatomy. The flower, depicted in shades of pink, has its parts labelled: Stamen with Anther and Filament, Sepal, Receptacle, Peduncle, Carpel with Petal, Stigma, Style, Ovary and Ovule.

Petals – Brightly coloured structures that attract insect pollinators.

Sepal – Protective structures that enclose and protect the unopened flower.

Carpel – Female reproductive system, made up of the stigma, style, and ovary. The ovary contains the female gamete (egg cell).

  • Stigma – sticky part of the flower that traps pollen grains
  • Style – Supports the stigma
  • Ovary – Produces the female gamete, the egg cells (ovules)

Stamen – Male reproductive system, made up of the anther and filament.

  • Anther – Produces the male gamete (pollen grains)
  • Filament – Supports the anther