How to Identify Flowers by Category
Using Flower and Plant Structure for Flower Identification
Nov 2, 2009
Before identification is possible, let's define some flower terms. A perfect flower will consist of all of the five main parts. It contains both the male and the female reproductive parts.
This differs from an imperfect flower, which will have either the male or the female system. Such plants are called monoecious if male and female parts are on the same plant as in the case of oaks. If there are distinct male and female plants, they are said to be dioecious.
The five main parts begins with the receptacle. As the name implies, this structure is the container for the flower parts. Next, is the calyx. The calyx describes the sepals as a whole. The sepals surround the top of the receptacle. Note that sepals are not always green. The calyx may refer to the last ring of the surrounding structure.
The corolla refers to the group of petals. It's important to remember that not all flowers are showy. The flowers of many trees, for example oaks, are quite small and nondescript. Typically, if a flower has to attract a pollinator, it will have distinct color. Flower pollinated by wind are usually less showy.
Finally, there are the reproductive structures of the plant. The male reproductive parts consist of one or more stamens. The stamen has a pollen-containing anther that sits on top of the filament. As a whole, the stamens are referred to as the androecium.
The female reproductive parts consists of the central pistil. It is here where the ovary and ovules reside. The top of the pistil or stigma, is the receiver of the pollen. Gynoecium refers to these parts collectively.
Family Identification
Flower families use Latin names that can often provide valuable clues to flower identification, often referring to flower or plant structure. Fagaceae refers to a plant with the fruit enclosed in a nut, typical of oaks and chestnut trees. Likewise, Iridaceae refers to plants with a corm or bulb, which identifies irises and gladiola.
Since many English words have a Latin base, some terms can be easily translated. Many plant families also have common names such as lily or maple that are readily recognized.
Benefits of Flower Structure Knowledge
Identification of flower begins with knowledge of flower structure. Armed with this information, the subtle differences between plant species can easily be seen. Flowers can be broadly grouped based on common characteristics such as the ray flowers surrounding the central disk of the Composite or Daisy family. Knowing the plant family is the first step toward positive identification.
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