Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Perfect flowers have both male (stamens) and female (pistils) reproductive structures in the same flower. They are capable of producing both pollen and ovules.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Perfect flowers can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate.
Species with perfect flowers include lilies, roses, and tulips.
Having both reproductive organs increases the efficiency of fertilization.
Perfect flowers are common among many angiosperms which are flowering plants.
They often exhibit a higher degree of reproductive success due to their ability to self-fertilize if cross-pollination fails.
Review Questions
Related terms
Stamen: The male reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an anther and a filament.
Pistil: The female reproductive part of a flower, comprising the ovary, style, and stigma.
Self-Pollination: The transfer of pollen from an anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.