Ovary
/ˈoʊvəri/
Definition
Ovary refers to the enlarged basal part of a flower’s pistil, or female reproductive structure, that contains one or more ovules. After pollination and fertilization, the ovules develop into seeds, and the ovary often matures into the fruit or part of the fruit. Its position in the flower, such as superior or inferior, is a key feature used to describe flower structure and identify plant groups.
Function in Plants
- Site of seed development: After pollination and fertilization, the ovary enlarges as the ovules inside develop into seeds. This makes it central to sexual reproduction in flowering plants.
- Source of many fruits: In most angiosperms, the ovary wall becomes part or all of the fruit. Fleshy fruits such as tomatoes and dry fruits such as capsules both develop from this tissue.
- Useful for flower identification: Its position in the flower helps botanists describe and identify plants. A superior ovary sits above the attachment of other floral parts, while an inferior ovary sits below them.
- Linked to pollination success: If pollination or fertilization fails, the ovary often does not mature normally, so fruit set is reduced or absent. Gardeners may notice this as flowers that drop without forming fruit.
Related Terms
Pistil
Pistil refers to the female reproductive structure of a flower. It consists of one carpel or several fused carpels and…
Gynoecium
Gynoecium is the female reproductive structure of a flower. It consists of one or more carpels, which may be separate…
Ovule
Ovule is the seed-producing structure inside a flower’s ovary, or on the scales of cones in gymnosperms. It contains…
Placenta
Placenta refers to the tissue inside a flower’s ovary where one or more ovules are attached. It is a plant structure…
Placentation
Placentation describes the arrangement of ovules inside a flower’s ovary and the way they are attached to the placenta…
Style
Style refers to the slender stalk-like part of a flower’s pistil, the female reproductive structure, that connects the…
Stigma
Stigma is the pollen-receptive tip or surface of a flower’s pistil, the female reproductive structure. It is usually…