Continuing with the intention of this portal on ecology and nature in general, we will teach you more about the parts that make up the plants, more specifically on that part that attracts both the attention of people and animals: the animals: the Flower petals. It seems that the flowers would be nothing without them since, thanks to the evolution to favor the reproduction of the different species we now have plants with flowers full of coloring petals and unique forms and, in addition, of great ornamental value.
In this educational text we answer questions such as the function of the petals of a flower and how are the petals of a flower. Do you feel like expanding your knowledge of botany and biology a little more? So, do not miss this ecology article about What are the petals and their function.
What are flower petals and their characteristics
The petals They are that part of the flower that attracts our attention so much and so many species are considered ornamental plants. The beauty of the flower petals, either because of its striking colors or for their shapes, also attracts other animals to insectswho are known as pollinating animals and main architects of the sexual reproduction of plants.
It is called as a petal to the part of the flower that covers and forms the corolla; This structure can be different depending on the species. So, if we ask ourselves how the petals of a flower are, it is difficult to give a unique and simple response, since depending on the plant they can be very different, in terms of shape, color, smell and quantity.
Due to its variety, we can also make a Classification of flowers according to their petals:
- APPTEALAS: those that do not count petals. Those flowers that have very tiny petals and, therefore, do not fulfill their protection or mechanism for pollination are also appealed.
- Dicotyledons: those flowers that have between 4 and five petals. There are also dicotyledonous flowers those that have multiples of 4 or 5, that is, of 8, 10 and even more.
- Monocotyledonous: They are the flowers that have 3 petals or multiples of this number.
Parts of the flower petals
Although it may seem Petals are simple organswe can clearly differentiate the parts that make it up. Of course, not all petals have to have all the organs that we list below, this depends rather on the species.
These are the parts of the petals that share all types of petals:
- It is called Petal member to the enlarged part that protrudes in the form of the end or tip of the petal. In fact, it is the most visible area and that most attracts attention, either because of its shape or color.
- Is called Petal margin on the edge that travels to him Petal and Epidermis to the outside of the petal.
- He Petal lip It is a thick structure that stands out from this, where pollinating agents can support to extract nectar and facilitate pollination.
- The Petal epidermis It is the part that covers the upper and lower part of the petal
- He Petal apex It is a sharp part besieged at the tip of the petal.
- The Petal claw It is a narrow area that is formed from the base and that joins the rest of the structure that forms the flower.
What are the functions of the petals
The Main function of flower petals is to attract those known as Polynizer animals. Most of them are pollinating insects, such as bees, which transport the pollen of flowers to activate their reproduction. There are also other pollinating agents, such as wind. Here you can learn much more about pollination: what is and its guys.
To get this, the petals usually have Very striking shapes, smells and colors to attract animals That, without being aware of them, they end up dragging the pollen from one flower to another to start fertilization. In addition, the color of the petals is usually a symptom of something that invites the feeding of the different species, such as the extraction of the nectar in the case of bees or birds such as the hummingbird.
Finally, the petals fulfill the function of Protect the internal parts of the flowerthat is to say that they protect the Reproductive organs of the plant and do it especially during the night. There are extremely delicate flowers, especially inside, that need that shelter so as not to be a predators pasture during their most vulnerable hours. For this reason, many species often close their petals when the sun disappears, thus protecting the rest of the flower, and open again at dawn to restart the reproductive cycle.
Other parts of the flower
Finally, we consider telling you about the Flower structurewhere, obviously, there are many more parts than the petals.
- The initial part is called chalice. This structure, usually green, is formed by sepals and is responsible for sustaining and protecting the flower petals.
- Then we find the corollaformed by the petals. As you know, they are the most striking part of the flower and are usually very colorful to attract insects that will help flowers to reproduce through pollination.
- Following the order, from outside we will find the stamenswhich is the male organ of the flower and where pollen occurs. It is composed, in turn, by the filament and the antera.
- Finally, right in the center of the flower we find the female organ or pistil. This is where the ovaries, the style and stigma of the flower are found.
To learn more details, we encourage you to read this other ecology article about what are the parts of a flower and its functions.
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