Flowers are the reproductive structures of many plants, and are essential for the survival of the species. A complete flower is composed of four main parts: the petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils. The petals are the colorful, outermost parts of the flower, and are often the most eye-catching. They are designed to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the flower. The sepals are the green, leaf-like structures that protect the petals before the flower blooms. The stamens are the male reproductive organs of the flower, and consist of the anthers and filaments. The anthers produce pollen, which is transferred to the female reproductive organs, the pistils. The pistils contain the ovules, which, when fertilized, become the seeds of the plant.
Common examples of complete flowers include hibiscus, roses, pea plants, and tulips. Hibiscus flowers have five petals, five sepals, and a central column of stamens and pistils. Roses have five petals, five sepals, and numerous stamens and pistils. Pea plants have five petals, five sepals, and a single stamen and pistil. Tulips have six petals, six sepals, and a single stamen and pistil.
The parts of a complete flower are essential for the reproductive success of the plant. The petals attract pollinators, the sepals protect the petals, the stamens produce pollen, and the pistils receive the pollen and produce the seeds. Without these parts, the plant would not be able to reproduce and would eventually become extinct.
