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incomplete flower

plant anatomy

Quick Summary

An incomplete flower is a flower that is missing at least one of the four typical floral organs: sepals, petals, stamens, or carpels. These organs are arranged in whorls on the receptacle at the base of the flower.12

  • Sepals (collectively the calyx) are usually green and enclose the flower bud.
  • Petals (collectively the corolla) are often brightly colored to attract pollinators.
  • Stamens (collectively the androecium) are the male reproductive parts, producing pollen.
  • Carpels (collectively the gynoecium) are the female reproductive parts, containing ovules that develop into seeds after fertilization.

A complete flower has all four organs. A bisexual flower has both stamens and carpels, while a unisexual flower has only one sex.1

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