THE FLOWER

STIGMA

Receives the pollen before the flower opens, starting the fertilisation process.

POLLEN PRESENTER

In proteas, the tip of the style acts as a pollen presenter, ensuring the pollen comes into contact with the pollinator.

STYLE

The stem which supports the stigma.

OVARY

The part where the fruit forms. It contains one seed bud which develops into a small, dry fruit containing a single seed – a large, fuzzy nut.

ANTHERS

The male parts of the flower that produce the pollen. Unlike in other flowers, the anthers shed their pollen on the stigma just before the flower opens.

PERIANTH

Unlike most flowers, the king protea doesn’t have separate sepals and petals. Instead, it has one set of four petal parts (perianth) in the bud. At first the four parts are fused in a long, thin tube. As the bud opens the perianth bursts open, exposing the style and stigma, which then straighten up.

NECTARY

Four tiny nectar glands release nectar to lure pollinators.