Floral Design and Function

This chapter examines flower design features related to sexual function in pollination. Flowers show remarkable variations in shape, size, and appearance, and are known for their tendency to mass together as inflorescences. In this case the overall floral display is determined by the combined appearance of a cluster of small flowers into one seemingly whole structure, which may in practice be the unit that is perceived, both by humans and by flower visitors, as the functional flower. The chapter first considers the essential flower morphology before discussing the perianth, the androecium (the male functional organs of a flower), and the gynoecium (the female organ system). It then describes flower and inflorescence features, particular floral shapes, floral size and size range, and floral sex and floral design. Finally, it provides an overview of the essentials of floral design in relation to cross-pollination.