Stamen: It is the male reproductive organ of flowering plant species that produces pollen. This is comprised of an anther, which is connected to a filament (pictured below). Within the anther reside the microsporangia, which will ultimately develop into pollen grains. Collectively, the stamens of a flower are termed the androecium, and the number can vary greatly between species. There is also a high level of diversity associated with the position and appearance of the stamens, and depending on the plant species, the stamens may be fused at either the filament or the anther.

Structure of Stamen

• It is made up of anther and filament.
• Anthers have a bilobed structure that transports pollen grains in pollen sacs.
• Connective tissue connects both lobes of the anther.
• A stamen filament emerges from the thalamus or peduncle, giving rise to a knob-like anther.
• Anther shapes are differently portrayed by terms. For example: linear, rounded, sagittate, twisted or reniform.
• Each lobe contains two thecae, indicating that an anther is dithecous.

Types of Stamen

• Polyandrous: In this type the filaments are not fused, they are free. E.g., Corchorus
• Monadelphous: All the filaments in this type are fused together, but the anthers remain free. E.g., Hibiscus
• Diadelphous: The filaments are fused in a group of two, while the anthers are free. E.g., Lathyrus
• Polyadelphous: The filaments are fused in a group of more than two, and the anthers are free. E.g., Ricinus, Citrus
• Syngenesious: in this type, all the anthers are fused together, and the filaments are free. E.g., Asteraceae
• Synandrous: When all the anthers and filaments are fused together. E.g., members of Cucurbitaceae.

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By Team Learning Mantras