Understanding Flower Structures and Types
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsUnderstanding Flower Structures and Types
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsIntroduction
In spring, Nature awakens from the lethargy of the cold winter.
seeds germinate and plants start to put out new shoots and bloom. It is a
good time to observe the flowers that grow near our habitat.
Wildflowers are composed of a variety of structures.
different, among which the leaves, stamens, inflorescences, fruits stand out.
Each one will vary from one species to another, although the members of each family
they will have some common characteristics to share.
It is interesting to know these structures in order to understand and differentiate.
these plants and flowers. Here you will be shown the most widespread elements
to be able to make a basic classification. With this data and above all a
on-site observation of nature we will be able to learn little by little
these wonders and become good enthusiasts in botany.
Objectives
Observe and identify the different parts of a flower.
Recognize the functions of a flower
Learn about the different characteristics of a flower
Theoretical framework
A flower is a very modified sprout, specialized in reproduction. The
Modified leaves that form the parts of the flower are called antofilos. The stem.
it is called peduncle if the flower is solitary and pedicel if the flower forms
part of an inflorescence. The
the end of that modified stem where the anthelae are inserted is called
receptacle or floral thalamus. In a complete, typical flower, there are four.
types of anthers: the sepals, the petals, the stamens, and the carpels or
pistil, all in variable number according to the species.
Parts of the flower
a) Peduncle.- Supports the flower, broadens at its end and forms the
receptacle or floral axis. Its function is to fix and support the flower.
If the flower has a peduncle, it is called Pedunculated. When it is short or reduced.
It is called Pedunculated, seated or sessile. It is the last end of the stem below.
of the flower.
b) Receptacle or floral axis.- It is the widened and very short part of the flower, here
the floral pieces are inserted.
c) Flower wrap.- They are leaves that wrap around and protect the organs
flower reproductors. In it are found:
Chalice.- External whorl of the flower formed by sepals almost always in color
green. If the sepals are free, the calyx is dialysepalous.
If the sepals are joined together, the calyx is gamosepalous or sometimes
conniving, that is, separated by their bases and united at the apex. They contain
and protect the ovary and the ovum.
Corolla.- It is the second whorl of the flower. It has petals or anthophylls, it constitutes
the body of the flower. The corolla can be dialypetalous or gamopetalous.
The petals can be white or of different colors.
Protects the gynoecium and the androecium
Reproductive organs
1.- Androecium
It is the male reproductive organ of the flower; it is made up of a set of
stamens. It forms the third floral whorl, consisting of two parts: the filament
stamen and the anther.
Filament - It is the sterile part of the stamen, it is filamentous in shape and supports
to the anther.
Anther.- It is the most swollen part of the stamen and consists of 4 cavities or
pollen sacs that, when joined in pairs, form the thecas.
Texas.- They contain a large amount of pollen grains.
The formation of pollen grains occurs here.
2.- Gynaeceum
It is the fourth floral whorl and represents the female reproductive organ.
consisting of the carpel leaves or pistils forming the pistil which is
consisted of:
Stigma.- It is the upper part of the pistil. Its function is glandular; because
it elaborates nectar, a secretion that allows the adhesion of pollen grains.
Style.– Cylindrical and tubular structure that allows the conduction of the tube
polynic.
Ovary.- It is the lower part of the pistil, formed by one or more leaves.
Carpets are the place where the eggs are located.
The ovum.- Contains the embryonic sac: formed by eight haploid nuclei: 2
synergids, 1 oosphere, 2 polar nuclei and 3 antipodes.
Types of flowers
a) According to the parts presented:
The flower that has calyx, corolla, stamens, and carpels is called complete. If it
if any of them are missing, it is called incomplete. In the case that the chalice and
corolla, the flower is called naked
b) According to the presence of sexual organs:
A hermaphrodite flower is one that has male organs (stamens) and
feminine (carpels). If it only has stamens, it is called unisexual male, and
If it has only carpels, it is called unisexual female. They are sterile flowers.
those that lack stamens and carpels.
FLOWERS ACCORDING TO THE PRESENCE OF SEXUAL ORGANS
Many species carry male and female flowers on the same plant.
plant, they are said to be monoecious (oaks, chestnuts, beeches, limes, hazels,
pine,….)
However, in other cases, the male and female flowers appear in
different plant sexes, it is said in this case that they are dioecious and appear
trees with different sexes, males and females (poplars, willows, yews, hollies,...)
c) According to the shape of the corolla:
If the petals that form the corolla are separate, the corolla is called
dialypetalous, and at the same time it can be:
· Cruciform: four equal petals arranged in the shape of a cross
· Rose: five equally wide petals
· Aclavelada or cariophilaceous: five or a multiple of five equal petals and
narrow
· Papilionaceous or butterfly-like: five unequal petals, whose set
it looks like a butterfly
If the petals that form the corolla are joined, the corolla is called gamopetalous.
and at the same time it can be:
· Bell-shaped: the bell-shaped petals
· Trumpet-shaped: the petals in the shape of a funnel
· Labiada: formed by five united petals, which at the tip
they separate into two groups forming a kind of lips
d) According to the number of carpels, flowers can be:
Unicarpelar: a single ovary
Multicarpellate: several carpels that can be joined or separated
e) According to the shape of the inflorescences (set of flowers that arise from
same sprout)
· Cluster: several flowers with peduncle are inserted along an axis
elongated
· Ear: several sitting flowers are inserted along an elongated axis.
· Umbel: several flowers with peduncle are inserted at the end of an axis
central and reach the same height, like an umbrella.
· Corimbo: the flowers with peduncle emerge from different points of an axis
central and reach the same height
· Head or chapter: several flowers without peduncle arise on a
wide receptacle
· Ament: dense hanging spikes of naked unisexual flowers
It is common for any of the previous inflorescences to group together.
forming compound inflorescences: spikes of spikes, cluster of clusters.