A flower ovary is the part of the female reproductive organ (the gynoecium or pistil) that holds the ovules. These ovules, after fertilization, develop into seeds.
Location and Function
The ovary is situated within the flower, typically at the base of the pistil. Its position relative to other floral parts (petals and sepals) can vary; it might be positioned above, below, or at the point of connection with their base. The primary function of the ovary is to protect the developing ovules and to eventually become the fruit after fertilization.
- Ovule Protection: The ovary provides a safe, enclosed environment for the ovules to develop, shielding them from environmental stressors and herbivores.
- Fruit Development: Following successful pollination and fertilization, the ovary walls thicken and mature, transforming into the fruit we see and consume (or use for seed dispersal). The seeds themselves develop from the fertilized ovules.
Examples
Different flowers have ovaries with varying structures and positions, influencing fruit shapes and sizes. For instance:
- Tomatoes: The fleshy part of the tomato we eat is the ripened ovary, containing numerous seeds.
- Apples: The core of an apple, containing seeds, is the remnant of the ovary; the fleshy part is derived from other flower parts.
The ovary's structure and location are key characteristics in plant taxonomy and identification.
