If you’ve been paying attention in biology class, you’ve probably heard of the different parts of plants. It is clear that the plant world is immense. There are many types of plants, each with its own characteristics. Well, some of them have reproductive organs. Although they don’t use the same method of reproduction as us, the basis is the same: they generate seeds with all the genetic information that will eventually give birth to a new living being. The stamens of a flower play a fundamental role in this process.
Which are? What are they doing? Although many have heard of this botanical term, not everyone will be able to answer these questions. That is why we are going to dedicate this article to explain what are the stamens of a flower, how are they classified and what are their functions. In short: everything you need to know. In case the subject interests you and you are passionate about botany, I recommend that you continue reading, because it really is a basic concept in the world of vegetables.
Contents
What are the stamens and the pistil?
As some of you may already know, some plant species have male flowers and some female ones. The latter have their own reproductive organ, called the pistil. It usually has an acorn shape and is usually found in the center of the flower. In the case of hermaphroditic flowers, that is, those that have both male and female organs, they are usually surrounded by stamens.
But what are the stamens of a flower? Well, if the pistil is the female organ, the stamens are the male organs. They are the carriers of the so-called pollen sacs. In them, pollen grains are created, which are essential for the reproduction and pollination of this type of plants. All the stamens of a flower form a group called androecium. It must be said that angiosperms and gymnosperms have stamens, but their morphology is quite particular in both groups. However, we are interested in the stamens of the flowers, that is, the angiosperms.
Related article:
Angiosperms and gymnosperms
In this type of plants, the stamens have an anther, in which the pollen grains are created. It is therefore the fertile part of the male organ of the flower. This anther is usually made up of a total of two thecae, which are basically the pollen sacs. Each of the theca contains two microsporangia, which unite to form a single locule when the theca has reached maturity.
It should be noted that sterile stamens also exist. These are called staminodes and only appear in certain flowers. They are usually well concealed and closely resemble normal stamens. They have different functions which are usually related to the striking function of the petals or the production of nectar. They may also simply represent a distinguishing feature between species, as is the case in the genus Pahiopedilum (orchids), for example. Also, on some occasions, they may have a structure similar to a non-functional anther. In these cases they are called anterodia.
How are stamens classified?
Once we know what these floral organs are, it should be noted that there are different groups of them. The stamens of a flower can be classified into two major groups: connate and adnate. The former are characterized by these united or merged into the same spiral. In this group there are the following types:
- diadelphos: They are partially fused into two male structures.
- Monadelphos: They are merged into a single composite structure.
- Polyadelphia: They are fused into at least three male structures.
- Synanthers: Only the anthers, as Asteraceaeare considered known.
On the other hand, we have the adnate group. In this case, the stamens are united or fused into several whorls, not just in one. Here, too, there are different types:
- Didinamos: They come in two pairs in total and are of different lengths.
- epipets: They come from the inner whorl of the flower, also called the corolla, which is made up of the petals.
- Experts: They exceed the corolla.
- Inserts or included: They do not exceed the corolla.
- projecting: They are longer than the corolla.
- Tetradynamos: They arise in a group composed of six filaments, two of which are shorter than the others.
Function of the stamens of a flower
Now that we know what the stamens of a flower are and how they are classified, it is time to comment on their function. Well, as we have already mentioned, these are the male organs of flowering plants. It is therefore not surprising that its function is to reproduce the plant.
The stamens are responsible for produce and store pollen, which contains all the genetic information of the plant in question. Apart from its production and storage, these organs also contribute to its transport to the ovary of a female flower. In this way, they guarantee the creation of a seed, essential to be able to proceed with its reproduction.
Related article:
What is pollination?
Another of the main functions of the stamens of a flower is that of attract vectors or pollinators. It is for this reason that they are usually, like the petals, quite striking. However, to the human eye, they are not always so attractive. There are flowers whose stamens are a bit difficult to identify, at least for us. But insects or birds can detect them without any problem.
In order to increase its ability to attract the attention of pollinators, some stamens even produce nectar. But what is it exactly? It is a liquid solution that contains a high level of amino acids, sugars and mineral ions, among other substances. This nutrient-rich mixture attracts many animals, greatly increasing the chances of successful reproduction of this plant, thanks to the pollination method.
In conclusion, we can say that stamens are vital organs for flowering plants. Without them, it would not be possible to achieve natural reproduction, without human intervention. So now you know: take care of them!