University of Illinois Extension

The Great Plant Escape Glossary Green Links

Case Facts

Pollination

When pollination occurs, pollen moves from the male parts to the female parts. Pollen grains land on the stigma and a tiny tube grows from it and down the style into the ovary. The fertilized ovule becomes the seed and the ovary becomes the fruit.

Since flowers can't move, they need to be able to attract pollinators or be built so that wind is able to pollinate them. Flowers attract pollinators like bees, insects and birds with sweet nectar, bright colors, and shapes and structures. Some flowers open at special times to attract pollinators such as night blooming plants that are pollinated by bats.