The parts of a flower (spec 3.3)
Stamen (anther + filament) is male; carpel (stigma, style, ovary, ovules) is female.
A flower is the reproductive organ of a flowering plant. Most flowers contain both male and female parts, plus parts that attract pollinators and protect the flower.
Learn these parts and what each one does:
| Part | Male / female | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Stamen (anther + filament) | Male | Makes pollen |
| → Anther | Male | Makes and releases pollen (pollen contains the male sex cells) |
| → Filament | Male | The stalk that holds the anther up |
| Carpel (stigma + style + ovary + ovules) | Female | Receives pollen and contains the female sex cells |
| → Stigma | Female | Receives the pollen (its top surface) |
| → Style | Female | The stalk connecting the stigma to the ovary |
| → Ovary | Female | Contains the ovules |
| → Ovules | Female | Contain the female sex cells; become seeds after fertilisation |
| Petals | — | Attract pollinators (insects) |
| Sepals | — | Protect the flower while it is still a bud |
Here is a labelled diagram of a typical flower cut in half:
Exam tip. Examiners love a "name the part / state its function" question. Learn the pairs: anther → makes pollen, stigma → receives pollen, ovary → contains ovules, petals → attract insects, sepals → protect the bud.
- Stamen = anther (makes pollen) + filament (stalk) — the male part.
- Carpel = stigma (receives pollen) + style + ovary + ovules — the female part.
- Petals attract pollinators; sepals protect the bud.
See the full worked example for structures of insect and wind pollinated flowers and adaptations →