In flowering plants, flower buds are formed as a special metamorphosed shoot. This flower bud gradually develops into a mature flower. Flower is the most beautiful and attractive organ of the plant body. It is variously colored and possesses a pleasant odor. A flower is sometimes known as a bloom or blossom and is also called the reproductive organ of a plant as it takes part in reproduction and plays an important role in the formation of new plants. Flowers, fruits, and seeds are developed. Seeds germinate to form new plants.
The biological function of a flower is to affect reproduction usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs. Flowers may facilitate outcrossing or allow selfing. Some flowers produce diaspores without fertilization (parthenocarpy). It contains sporangia and is the site where gametophytes develop. It gives rise to fruits and seeds. May flowers have evolved to be attractive to animals, so as to make them vectors for the transfer of pollen.
Characteristics of a Flower:
1. The flower is a modified shoot.
2. Flower is a temporary plant organ, that develops for a certain period of time.
3. It develops from the shoot apex or axils of the leaf or bract.
4. It is of various forms, and colors and possesses a pleasant odor.
5. It takes part in the reproduction of plants.
6. It bears floral leaves.
7. Fruits and seeds develop from a flower.