Lily bud. Light micrograph (LM) of a cross-section through a lily bud (Lilium sp.), showing the internal reproductive structures. The pistil (centre)

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Lily bud. Light micrograph (LM) of a cross-section through a lily bud (Lilium sp.), showing the internal reproductive structures. The pistil (centre) is the female reproductive organ, made up of three fused 'leaves', the edges of which curl inwards and bear the placentas (deep red patches). These in turn produce the ovules, or female sex cells, (just developing at this stage). Surrounding the pistil are the male anthers, each of which have four pollen sacs (circular structures with white borders), filled with developing pollen grains (orange).

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Size: 4368px × 2912px
Photo credit: © DR KEITH WHEELER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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