carpel

Everyday

1. (science) A carpel is the female part of a flower, where seeds are made. tree →
2. It has three parts: the stigma (sticky top that catches pollen), the style (stalk) and the ovary (bottom part with ovules that become seeds). tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on plant life cycles the carpel is labelled on flower diagrams, along with the stamen (the male part, with anther and filament). After pollination and fertilisation the ovary of the carpel grows into the fruit. Some flowers have one carpel, others many (as in a buttercup or strawberry). Phrases: stigma, style and ovary; female part of the flower.

Examples

• The carpel is the female part of the flower. tree →
• Pollen lands on the stigma at the top of the carpel. tree →
• Label the carpel and the stamen on your flower diagram. tree →
• The ovary at the bottom of the carpel grows into the fruit. tree →
• A pea pod grows from a single carpel. tree →
• A buttercup has many little carpels in the middle. tree →
• Bees carry pollen from the stamens to the carpels. tree →

Note

Plural carpels. Sometimes called a pistil (one or more carpels joined together). Do not confuse with «carpal» (wrist bones) or «carpet».