Materials
- Fresh lily flower
- Tray or plate
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass (optional)
Instructions
- Place the lily flower on a tray or plate and observe it before taking it apart.
- Gently remove one outer leaf-like structure and set it aside. These are the sepals.
- Remove one of the brightly colored structures and place it next to the sepal. These are the petals.
- Carefully pull off one of the long, thin structures with a powdery tip. These are the stamens.Notice the yellow or orange powder (pollen) on the tip.
- In the center of the flower, observe the thicker structure. This is the pistil.
- Separate the pistil and examine its three main parts: the sticky top (stigma), the long tube (style), and the swollen base (ovary)
What’s going on?
- Flowers are reproductive structures. Each part has a specific role.
- Sepals protect the flower bud before it opens.
- Petals attract pollinators using color and scent.
- Stamens are the male parts of the flower and produce pollen.
- Pistil is the female part of the flower and contains the ovary, where seeds can form after fertilization.
- Dissecting a lily helps you see how all these parts are arranged and how they work together for plant reproduction.
Safety
- Some people are sensitive to pollen. Avoid touching your eyes and wash hands after the activity. Lily pollen can stain clothing.
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