Tepals: what they are and their function

The petals and the sepals are two external parts of the flower that are located in the perianth and whose main function is to protect the reproductive organs of the flower. In general, the sepals and petals differ in color. They are called tepals when we cannot differentiate the petals from the sepals .

So what are tepals? They are the leaves that protect and wrap the sexual organs of the plant and that do not have a clear differentiation. That is, when we can clearly distinguish the calyx from the corolla. The tepals are typical of monocotyledonous plants , such as magnolias, lilies, daffodils or tulips. In the same way, we can also say in a general way that tepals are typical of primitive plants, those that did not need to evolve to attract pollinators. functions of sepals what are the 10 parts of a flower

The main function of the tepals is to protect the reproductive organs of the plant . The tepals wrap these organs around the perianth of the flower so that they are not damaged by external agents such as wind or water and thus ensure the pollination of the flower . functions of sepals what are the 10 parts of a flower what are the 10 parts of a flower

As we have already mentioned, they provide the necessary support so that, when the plant reaches sexual maturity, the pollinating agents can facilitate the plant’s reproduction.

The main difference between petals and tepals is that the petals are typical of dicotyledonous plants or more evolved plants. The clear distinction between the petals and sepals of most flowering plants is thought to stem from the need to attract insects to ensure pollination. For this reason, the petals usually have a different color from the sepals. The sepals that surround the floral calyx are generally green. Instead, the flower petals are a clearly striking color to attract the attention of insects and other animals. In fact, the petals are the most recognizable part of most flowering plant species.

The tepals , regardless of their coloration, do not differentiate the tones between the petals and sepals , taking the name of tepals to be able to refer to the leaves located in the perianth of the flower.

The clearest way to understand the difference between petals and tepals in having presents the image of a tulip and that of a rose. The tulip has a colorful flower that comes out of the stem of the plant and there are no green leaves between its stem and the petals, while the rose is a flower held by a perfect crown of sepals that make each of its spectacular even more striking. petals. functions of sepals what are the 10 parts of a flower

In addition, we can include a small detail to increase its differentiation. The tepals have a much more robust and fleshy structure, while the petals are much lighter to open easily.

Parts of flower and their functions: Now that you clearly know the differences between petals and tepals, we want to review with you what the parts of flowers are. Again, although the tepals are typical of monocotyledonous plants, it does not mean that they all have to comply with this particularity. For this reason, we can talk about the different structures that make up the flower in a general way, for this it helps you to recognize those species that have tepals. The parts of a flower can be divided into two zones: that destined for reproduction and the other parts that make up the structure. functions of sepals

The reproductive function of flowers is divided into:

• Parts of flower and their functions: Androecium: formed by the stamens or male sexual organs. Each of the stamens is made up of a filament at the end of which male gametes known as pollen are produced.
• Parts of flower and their functions: Gynoecium: female part of the flower made up of the pistil which, in turn, form the carpels where the female reproductive organs of the plant are found. Each carpel has an ovary, which is the widened area where the ovule is located, the style, which forms the union of the ovary with the stigma or the final part that has a sticky structure that works as a collector of the ovules. pollen grains.

As for the rest of the structure we find:

• Sepals: located under the petals of the flower and used as support and support.
• Corolla: formed by the petals that have a striking coloration to attract the attention of pollinators.