Anthers, Stigmas, and Styles, Oh My!

Above is the stamen, or the male reproductive system. Stamens produce pollen in saclike structures called anthers. The number of stamens is usually the same as the number of petals. Stamens usually consist of a long slender stalk, the filament, with the anthers at the tip. Some stamens are similar to leaves, with the anthers at or near the margins.

Here is the carpel, or the female reproductive system.It is the female part of the plant which produce fruit once pollination has taken place. The fruit contains seeds. (Carpels, stigma> top where it gets pollen, style > pollen travels down, ovary > where fruit is formed)

Above there are anthers surrounding the stigma. Pollen is typically highly desiccated when it leaves an anther. Stigmas have been shown to assist in the rehydration of pollen and in promoting germination of the pollen tube. Stigmas also ensure proper adhesion of the correct species of pollen.

Displayed is the female reproductive system, the ovary. The ovary contains ovules, which develop into seeds upon fertilization.