Anthers produce pollen; the stigma is the receptive surface that can receive it. A flower's anthers release pollen, while its stigma can receive it. Animals may transfer pollen as they move between flowers; wind also pollinates many plants. A visit to an incompatible flower does not automatically give the required result. Compare the path of the pollen rather than treating every flower visit as successful reproduction.
Plants, animals and ecosystems · Discover & try
How can a visitor help a flower make seeds?
Reading level 2 of 5 · DevelopingChange
Word help
anther
A pollen-producing part of a flower.
stigma
A receptive surface that can receive pollen.
Watch · Try · Explain
See how it works
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Symbolic pollen transfer between simplified flowers; colour is a display label, not a compatibility test in real plants.
What to look for
- Pollen moves from anther to stigma
- A visit can miss the receptive surface
- Pollination precedes fertilisation
Explain what you noticed
A visitor deposits pollen on a different plant species. Does the visit alone prove seeds will develop?
Keep this idea: Transfer to a compatible receptive stigma is a step, not the entire seed-making process.
Follow the sources
- U.S. Forest Service — What Is Pollination and Who Does It?
- U.S. Forest Service — Native Wildflowers and Bees of Western Montana
Source material checked 2026-10-29. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.
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