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Definition of Flower Filament
Definition of Flower Filament. The filament of a flower is one of the male reproductive parts of the plant. When a flower opens, the filaments can be seen inside, thrusting up like stems within the flower itself. A filament is topped by the anther. Together the anther and filament make up the flower's stamen.
The filament of a flower is one of the male reproductive parts of the plant. When a flower opens, the filaments can be seen inside, thrusting up like stems within the flower itself. A filament is topped by the anther. Together the anther and filament make up the flower's stamen.
Number
Plants vary in the number of stamens and therefore filaments. Some species may only have one stamen, others have several dozen.
Development
Filaments are short as the flower develops. When it opens, they lengthen.
Function
Filaments exist to carry nutrients to the anther, where pollen develops. After the flower opens, the lengthening filaments facilitate access to the anthers and pollinating agents like bees.
Arrangement
In plants with multiple filaments, they are arranged in a circle around the inside center of the flower.
Fused
Some plants have stamens that are fused together. The hibiscus is one of these.
Anther attachment
Anthers can top the filament in three ways. Sometimes the filament attaches to the anther at its base, but sometimes it is attached between two lobes of the anther, running up its back. The filament might also plug into one spot on the back of the anther.
