A petal is a revised leaf that protects and encircles the reproductive parts of a flower.
They are brilliantly colored to attract pollinators, thereby allowing the process of plant reproduction.
Petals are made from organic matter, such as cellulose.
The collective group of petals on a flower is called a corolla – although the number of petals on any particular flower can differ.
What is the Function of a Petal?
Petals form a crucial role in a plant’s reproductive cycle. This is because they allow plants to pollinate.
They do this by using their scent, color, and other evolutionary features to attract the correct type of pollinator.
Different types of pollinators include insects, birds, and, less directly, the wind.
Parts of a Petal
Although petals differ from species to species, all have two main parts allowing them to encourage pollination.
These two parts include:
- The upper, broad part – also called a leaf blade.
- The lower part – is also called a claw.
