What is a 'perfect' flower?

Flowers that contain both male and female sex organs are perfect flowers. These complete flowers may be self-fertile. Typical examples are the lily and the rose. They have both the essential stamens and pistils in the same flower, enabling it to reproduce independently.

The anthers of the stamens are the producers of the pollen. The pistil receives it through the stigmas. When both are established in the same flower, self-pollination is possible. This gives the flowers reproductive insurance. They are not dependent on external pollinators. The roses in your garden are a good illustration of this fact.

Even the most perfect plants benefit from cross-pollination. Many have prevention methods against self-fertilization. Some mature the male and female parts at different times. Others place the organs in such a way as to prevent them from coming into contact with each other. The tomato is often a self-fertilizer, whereas the avocado requires cross-fertilization. Determine the exact requirements of your plants.

How to Identify Perfect Flowers. In your own garden, find perfect flowers. Observe the central pistil surrounded by the stamens. In most varieties, the petals form a cover over the two reproductive structures. Compare the flowers of roses with those of squash blossoms; the structural differences will be very noticeable. This knowledge will help you in planning for pollination.

Support all types of flowers whenever possible, plant perfect flowers to achieve good, reliable yields. Relate imperfect types to have variety. With bright flowers to attract the bees. Refrain from using the sprays when flowers are in bloom. Your garden is then a complete system of balanced sides, mutually supportive of natural reproduction cycles.

Read the full article: Understanding Flower Reproductive Parts and Functions