Stamen

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Stamen

The stamen is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower. Collectively the stamens form the androecium.

Morphology and terminology[edit | edit source]

A stamen typically consists of a stalk called the filament and an anther which contains microsporangia. Most commonly anthers are two-lobed and are attached to the filament either at the base or in the middle area of the anther. The sterile tissue between the lobes is called the connective.

Function[edit | edit source]

A typical, entomophilous (insect-pollinated) stamen consists of a pollen-producing anther attached to a filament. The pollen is released when the anther's two lobes open up. This process is called dehiscence.

Types of stamen[edit | edit source]

Stamens can be categorized in a number of ways:

  • By attachment to the perianth
  • By number
  • By length
  • By anther attachment
  • By anther dehiscence
  • By pollen release

Evolution[edit | edit source]

The stamen is thought to have originated in the sporangia of the ancient, extinct group of plants known as the progymnosperms.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Stamen Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD