Flowers

What is a flower? A flower is many things to many people and nature's creatures. To people they are objects of beauty and color. Many have fragrances that enrich our lives. To creatures in nature they are a food source as well as a pretective cover for hiding out.

There are many parts of a flower. A typical flower has 4 main parts. Usually there is a green outer leaf like a cup called the sepal.Before the flower opens, the sepals enclose and protect the other parts. With in the sepals are the petals, wich is usually the most colorful part.The really important parts are inside the petals. They are the reproductive organs necessary for reproducing seeds. In the center of the flower, there are one or more pistils, wich is the female part of the flower. Around the pistils is a ring of stamens, the male organs of the flower.

Flowers are a source of food for creatures such as insects, birds, and bats. They are attracted by their bright colored petals and sweet odors. They collect nectar from the flowers for food. Cross pollination occurs when the pollen clings to the body or wings of an insect or bird and then is carried to the next flower where it rubs off. Pollination sets in motion the process of seed reproduction.