more+parts+of+flowers

=Flower Structure - Plants Slideshow=

**Flowers** are the most obvious difference between angiosperms and other species of plants. Sure there are the seeds, fruits, and structure, but it's the flowers that people (and bees) remember. They are small, large, with **petals**, without petals, simple, and **compound** (daisy or sunflower). If you can imagine a shape, a flower probably already makes it.

Even with the variety of flower shapes, they have very similar structures. The area of pollination is usually at the center and there is a structural or color cue that tells you where to look. The top image shows a compound flower. This really isn't one flower, there are dozens of flowers in the center of those petals. Each of those mini-flowers can be pollinated and become a seed.

The center image shows a very simple flower. Along the outer ring, you can see a combination of white and purple petals with different shapes. As you get to the center, you can easily see the five stamens and three stigmas. **Stamens** hold the pollen and the **stigmas** receive the pollen.

The bottom image from a cactus shows very bright red petals that re easy to see in a spring desert bloom. In the center are dozens of lighter stigmas and styles and five stamens (greenish).

There are too many different types of flowers to show here. You can recognize a flower because they usually have petals or sepals. In the center, you will find the stamens (with pollen) and **pistils** (receive pollen). At the base of the **style** and pistil you will find small **ovules** and ovaries that eventually develop into the **fruit** and seeds. Some flowers have developed so that they can **self-pollinate** and others have developed to attract specific insects.