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General Features
HummingbirdColumbine240.jpg (12607 bytes)
Photo by Danny On

Basic Structural Types

There are two basic types of nectaries

These are Structural & Non-Structural

Structural Nectaries differ significantly
from the surrounding tissues.
These are usually complex, discernable structures, like the nectaries we have seen for Ricinis (Castor Oil Plant) & Passiflora (Passion Fruit)

RicinEXFlrNec400.jpg (4052 bytes)

Non-Structural Nectaries differ little
from the surrounding tissues, except for the fact that they secrete Nectar.

In order to understand the following exposition, it is a good idea to review some basic flower terminology!

Yes Drill Sargent!!!!!
I was greatly influenced by my experiences in the US Army!
I am passing that heritage to you, poor reader!!!!!

Basic Flower Structure

ClintonibFlr240.jpg (13933 bytes) ClintonibFlr240Lab.jpg (19465 bytes)
Clintonia (Liliaceae) Clintonia Labeled

The Receptacle is the terminal part of the stem which bears the floral organs (Sepals, Petals, Stamens, Carpels).

Sepals = Leaf-like structures which protect the other floral organs during early development. They are usually distinct from the Petals. This can be due to morphological traits or color.

Petals = Colorful leaf-like Structures.TradescantiaFlr240Lab.jpg (94742 bytes)

Stamens = Composed of Filaments & Anthers. The Anthers produce Pollen.

Carpels = Composed of Stigma, Style & Ovary.

The Stigma receives pollen and fosters its germination.

The Style provides a conduit for the Pollen Tube.

The Ovary contains Ovules which house the Egg.

Collective Terms

Calyx = All the Sepals

Corolla = All the Petals

Tepals = Collective term for Sepals and Petals which are identical in appearance.

Perianth is a collective term for the Sepals & Petals

Androecium = All the Stamens

Gynoecium = All the Carpels

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