Anatomy of a Flower
Every flower is a terminal branch consisting of a modified stem, the receptacle (D: bloembodem). This bears one to four types of modified leaves, usually arranged in whorls (D: kransen) in the more advanced flowers and spirally arranged in the more primitive ones. In a typical flower the outermost whorl, the calyx, consists of a number of sepals (D: kelkbladen) that protect the flower bud before it blooms. The next whorl, the corolla, is composed of a number of petals (D: bloem- of kroonbladen), often bearing nectar-producing glands that aid in attracting pollinators (usually insects). The next whorl, the androecium, consists of a number of stamens (D: meeldraden) that produce in anthers (D: helmknoppen) the pollen necessary for reproduction. Two whorls of stamens may be present. The next, or innermost, whorl of the flower, called the gynoecium, consists of several carpels or styles (D: stijlen), carrying a stigma (D: stempel), frequently fused to form a pistil  (D: stamper). Each carpel contains at least one placenta to which are attached ovules, or immature seeds (D: zaadknoppen). The calyx and corolla are collectively known as the perianth (D: bloemdek). Although this structural arrangement is the norm, most angiosperm species bear flowers that in one way or another deviate from this norm.

Coloration and Fragrance of Flowers