Gynoecium

Gynoecium is the female reproductive part of a flower. It is composed of one or more carpels. The term "gynoecium" is derived from the Greek words "gyne" meaning woman and "oikos" meaning house. The gynoecium is often referred to as the "female house" as it houses the reproductive organs of the flower.

Structure

The gynoecium is typically located in the center of the flower and is surrounded by the androecium (male reproductive part) and the petals. The gynoecium can be composed of one or more carpels. Each carpel includes an ovary, a style, and a stigma.

Ovary

The ovary is the enlarged basal portion of the carpel. The ovary contains one or more ovules and will become the fruit after fertilization.

Style

The style is the long, slender stalk that connects the ovary and the stigma. The style is the pathway for pollen tubes to grow from the stigma to the ovules.

Stigma

The stigma is the receptive tip of the carpel, often sticky, where pollen grains adhere.

Function

The primary function of the gynoecium is to produce ovules and protect them until they are ready to be fertilized. Once fertilization occurs, the gynoecium develops into a fruit containing seeds.

See also

• Flower
• Carpel
• Ovary
• Style
• Stigma
• Androecium
• Petal

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