A flower is the reproductive structure of flowering plants (angiosperms).
Its primary function is
to facilitate reproduction, usually by attracting pollinators or enabling self-pollination.
Key Parts of a Flower:
Petals: Often colorful, they attract pollinators.
Sepals: Protect the flower bud before it opens.
Stamens: Male parts producing pollen (includes anther and filament).
Pistil/Carpel: Female part that contains the ovary, style, and stigma.
Flowers are also widely appreciated for their beauty and symbolism in art, culture, and rituals.
What is a Flower?
A flower is the reproductive structure of angiosperms (flowering plants). It contains the organs
for reproduction — mainly stamens (male) and carpels (female).
Common Types of Flowers Based on Structure
1. Complete vs. Incomplete Flowers
Complete: Have all four main parts — sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.
Incomplete: Missing one or more of these parts.
2. Perfect vs. Imperfect Flowers
Perfect (Bisexual): Contain both stamens and carpels.
Imperfect (Unisexual): Contain either stamens (male) or carpels (female), but not both.
3. Inflorescence Types (clusters of flowers)
Raceme: Flowers on short stalks along a main stem.
Spike: Flowers attached directly to the stem without stalks.
Umbel: Flower stalks arise from a common point (like an umbrella).
Panicle: Branched cluster of flowers.
Types Based on Lifespan
Annual Flowers: Complete life cycle in one year (e.g., marigolds).
Biennial Flowers: Take two years to complete life cycle (e.g., foxglove).
Perennial Flowers: Live for multiple years (e.g., roses).