The Pistil (Fig. 8) is the seed-bearing organ of the flower. When complete it consists of Ovary (O), Style (Sty.), and Stigma (Stg.).
The Ovary is the hollow portion at the base of the pistil. It contains the ovules or rudimentary seeds which are quickened into life by the pollen.
The Style is the slender tapering stalk above the ovary.
The Stigma is usually the tip of the style. The pollen-grains which are deposited upon its moist roughened surface throw out minute tubes which penetrate to the little ovules of the ovary and cause them to ripen into seeds.
A flower which has neither stamens nor pistils is described as Neutral.
A flower with only one kind of these organs is termed Unisexual.
A Male or Staminate flower is one with stamens but without pistils.
A Female or Pistillate flower is one with pistils but without stamens.
The Fruit of a plant is the ripened seed-vessel or seed-vessels, including the parts which are intimately connected with it or them.