Flower

A flower is the reproductive part of a flowering plant, known in scientific terminology as an angiosperm. It is a collection of modified leaves arranged around the site where pollen and the plant's ovule meet. The result of this process is the development of fruit or seeds.

Flowers vary in size, color, shape and smell. This variation is largely related to how the plant disperses its pollen: some rely on insects, birds or bats, while others depend on wind or water.

Parts of a flower

A complete flower has four layers. The outermost layer consists of sepals, protective leaf-like structures usually green in color. Next are the petals, the colored parts that attract pollinators. The third layer is made up of stamens, which produce pollen. At the center is the carpel or pistil, which contains the ovule. Many flowers lack some of these parts.

Pollination and reproduction

When pollen reaches the surface of the pistil, it forms a tube that grows down to the ovule. Fertilization occurs there, producing a seed. The ovule wall typically develops into a fruit that protects and aids in the dispersal of the seed.

Variation and structure

Some plants have a single flower standing alone, while others have flowers arranged in clusters called inflorescences, such as the dense spike of a grain or the head of a sunflower. Some flowers are hermaphrodite, containing both male and female organs, while others are unisexual; some species even have separate male and female plants.

Human use

Flowers are used for decoration, social and religious occasions, perfume production, and food (such as capers and saffron derived from specific flower species). They also serve as a resource for the honey and beekeeping industries, since many plants depend on bees for pollination.