The female part of the flower is called the pistil.
The pistil is the reproductive organ of the flower that contains the female reproductive structures. It is made up of several parts, including the stigma, style, and ovary. Each part plays a unique role in the process of reproduction.
The pistil is composed of the following parts:
1. Stigma: The stigma is the sticky, often enlarged, tip of the pistil. Its main function is to receive the pollen grains during pollination.
2. Style: The style is a long, slender tube that connects the stigma to the ovary. It provides a pathway for the pollen tube to grow and allows the pollen to reach the ovary.
3. Ovary: The ovary is the enlarged basal part of the pistil. It contains one or more ovules, which are the structures that develop into seeds after fertilization.
4. Ovules: Ovules are the structures within the ovary that contain the female gametes. They are fertilized by pollen grains, leading to the formation of seeds.
Functions of the pistil:
- The pistil plays a crucial role in reproduction by facilitating the fertilization process.
- The stigma receives pollen grains, which may be transferred by wind, insects, or other pollinators.
- The style provides a pathway for the growth of the pollen tube, which delivers the male gametes to the ovules.
- The ovary protects the developing ovules and seeds and eventually develops into a fruit after fertilization.
In conclusion, the pistil is the female reproductive organ of the flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary. It plays a vital role in the process of reproduction by receiving and facilitating the fertilization of ovules, leading to the development of seeds and fruits.