Studying: Reproductive Morphology-> Flower Parts

So first we should know that reproductive morphology is talking about what it takes to sexually reproduce. This includes the flowers, fruits and seeds.

Right now we’re strictly talking about the flower parts

Pedicel- the stem that supports a single flower

Receptacle- the tip of the pedicel. This is where all floral whorls will originate.

Steril whorls

• Sepals- the outer whorl of the flower. It’s job is to protect the developing bud of the flower and is usually green and leaf like.
  • Calyx- the sepals collectively
• Petals- the whorl of the flower, they’re usually colorful
  • Corolla- the petals collectively
• Perianth- the Calyx and Corolla collectively
• Tepals- sepals and petals that are similar is appearance

Fertile Whorls

• Stamen- the pollen producing structure of the flower. This part consists of an anther and a filament.
  • Filament- a slender stem-like structure that supports the anther
  • Anther- the organ that produces pollen
• Androecium- the stamen collectively
• Pistil- the ovulr producing structure of the flower, consists of a stigma, style and ovary
  • Stigma- the flattened portion of the pistil where the pollen grain is received
  • Style- the portion of the pistil that connects the stigma to the ovary
• Ovary- the enlarged portion of the pistil where ovules are produced. This will mature into a fruit if pollinated.
• Carpel- a single segment of the pistil that contains a stigma, style and ovary

Gynoecium- the pistils collectively

Superior ovary- a flower with an ovary positioned above the sepals. For example: an artichoke

Inferior ovary- a flower with an ovary positioned below the sepals. For example: a rose

Flower shapes

Most flowers can be described as having flowers with gamopetalous corollas.

• Polypetalous- petals are separate and not connected
• Gamopetalous- petals are fused
  • Examples: morning glory and balloon flower
• Actinomorphic- several lines of symmetry
• Zygomorphic- has only one line of symmetry
  • Example: snap dragons and pansies
• Irregular- no lines of symmetry
  • Example: Canna
• Rotate- wheel shaped
  • Circular
  • Example: cherry blossom
• Campanulate- bell shaped
• Funnelform- trumpet shaped
• Urceolate- urn shaped
  • Has a smaller opening than campanulate
• Ligulate- strap shaped
  • Examples: aster family
• Bilabiate- two lipped
• Papilionaceous- butterfly shaped
  • Example: Orchid

Onward to the next part to study…

Advertisement