Flowering is a natural mechanism by which the majority of plants perpetuate their species through the production of seeds. All the parts of a flower take part in one way or another in the reproductive process. The stamens consist of thread-like stalks supporting sac-like anthers which produce the pollen. The central pistil contains the ovary and a sticky stigma. The colourful petals serve as signals to attract insects and other pollinators. When pollinating insects or birds visit the flowers for nectar, they help transfer pollen to the stigma which leads to fertilization of the egg cells in the ovary. The ovary then grows into a fruit containing seeds that would, if planted, grow into new plants thus perpetuating the species.
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