All the higher forms of plant life reproduce themselves from seeds. These seeds are produced inside the flower of the plant after it has been fertilized. The stamens and the anthers are extremely important parts of the flower because they produce the pollen. Pollen is the very fine, yellow dust that comes away on the fingers whenever we touch the inside od a flower. These tiny yellow grains are one of the most precious substances found in nature because they contain the secret of plant life. It is pollen which fertilizes the ovary and sets off the process that finally produces the seeds. When pollen is examined under a microscope the minute specks of dust are enlarged and we can see the many different shapes of the individual grains which vary according to the plant of origin. Some pollen grains are oval, others are cylindrical and others are round. There are also pointed grains, some which are crescent shaped and others with prickles on them. The grains are smaller and flatter if the pollen comes from plants which are pollinated by the wind. This shape helps them to fly through the air. If the pollen is meant to be carried to other flowers by insects then the grains are larger and stickier. |
