SUBTOPIC: Orchidaceae
– Vanilla flower has a stigma at the apex of the column
– Stigma points downwards after resupination
– Stigma is a small bowl called clinandrium
– Anther cap sits on top of the stigma
– Column wings may project laterally from the stigma
SUBTOPIC: Column Anatomy
– Column foot is formed by lip attachment to the basal part of the column
– Mentum (chin) forms if lateral sepals are basally adnate
– Column releases and receives pollen for fertilization
– Orchidaceae’s male anther produces pollen held in pollinia
– Pollinia transfer between flowers relies on specific arthropods
SUBTOPIC: References
– Book title: Flowering Plant Families by Gerald Carr
– Publication date: 30 October 2005
– Source: University of Hawaii Botany Department
– Focus: Vascular Plant Family
– Retrieval date: 3 August 2022
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (February 2024) |
The column, or technically the gynostemium, is a reproductive structure that can be found in several plant families: Aristolochiaceae, Orchidaceae, and Stylidiaceae.
It is derived from the fusion of both male and female parts (stamens and pistil) into a single organ. The top part of the column is formed by the anther, which is covered by an anther cap. This means that the style and stigma of the pistil, with the filaments and one or more anthers, are all united.