Flower Structure and Reproduction

What are the main parts of a typical flower?

A. Calyx, corolla, androecium, gynoecium

B. Stem, leaves, roots

C. Petals, sepal, stamen, pistil

Answer:

A. Calyx, corolla, androecium, gynoecium

A typical flower has four main parts-or whorls-known as the calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium. The outermost whorl of the flower has green, leafy structures known as sepals. The second whorl is comprised of petals-usually, brightly colored-collectively called the corolla. The third whorl contains the male reproductive structures and is known as the androecium. The innermost group of structures in the flower is the gynoecium, or the female reproductive component(s). The carpel is the individual unit of the gynoecium and has a stigma, style, and ovary. A flower may have one or multiple carpels.