By:

TEOH LI WEN (4PISMP RBT 1)

DEFINITION
A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the division Magnoliophyta, also called angiosperms). The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs. Flowers may facilitate outcrossing (fusion of sperm and eggs from different individuals in a population) or allow selfing (fusion of sperm and egg from the same flower). Some flowers produce diaspores without fertilization (parthenocarpy). Flowers contain sporangia and are the site where gametophytes develop. Flowers give rise to fruit and seeds. Many flowers have evolved to be attractive to animals, so as to cause them to be vectors for the transfer of pollen. In addition to facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants, flowers have long been admired and used by humans to beautify their environment, and also as objects of romance, ritual, religion, medicine and as a source of food.

Florists often use a wide variety of flowers when creating an arrangement. Normally, a bouquet will consist of the featured or main blooms and an assortment of filler flowers to accent the main blooms. Florists often try to explain what certain flowers look like to their customers over the phone, but this can be a difficult process. Below, we have listed 39 different types of flowers which florists often use to help you understand the common types of flowers which are sent when you buy flowers.

Alstroemeria Friendship

Amaryllis Splendid beauty

Anemone Anticipation

Anthurium Hospitality

Asiatic Lily Majesty

Aster Patience

Birds of Paradise Joyfulness

Bouvardia Enthusiasm

Carnations Pride and beauty

Cushion Chrysanthemum Fidelity

Cymbidium Orchid A belle

Daffodil Chivalry

Daisy Fidelity

Delphinium Heavenly

Dendrobium Orchid A belle

Freesia Innocence

Gladiolus Strength of character

Heather Admiration

Hyacinth Constancy

Hydrangea Heartfelt

Iris My compliments

King Protea Daring

Larkspur Levity

Lilac Youthful innocence

Lisianthus Outgoing

Oncidium Orchid A belle

Oriental Lily Majesty

Peony Bashful

Phalaenopsis Orchid A belle

Queen Annes Lace Sanctuary

Ranunculus Radiant

Roses Love

Snapdragon Desire

Standard Chrysanthemum Fidelity

Statice Remembrance

Stock Lasting beauty

Sunflower Pure thoughts

Sweet Pea Delicate pleasure

Tulips Declaration of love

FLOWER MEANINGS
Flowers are a part of the most important occasions in our lives. They are conspicuously present on birthdays, funerals, graduation, weddings, etc. forming an integral part of our lives. Some flowers have religious significance too.

Colours meanings
Scientific Colour Choice People respond to different colours in different ways, and these responses take place on a subconscious, emotional level. Specific colours have different effects on the human brain: Black : self-confidence, power, strength Blue : calming, lowers blood pressure Green : soothing, relaxing mentally as well as physically, helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, nervousness Violet : provides a peaceful environment Pink: relaxes, relieves tension, soothing Yellow : energizes, relieves depression, Orange : energizes, stimulates Red : stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respirations and blood pressure

What is pollination ?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma. The pollen may be transferred from the anthers to the stigma of the same, or different flowers.

Why is pollination necessary ?

The pollen contains the male gametes (sperm) of plant. The pollen is transferred from the anthers where it is produced to the stigma where it germinates forming a pollen tube. The pollen tube then transfers the male gametes to the female gamete (egg cell) which is contained inside the ovules. Once the sperm reaches the egg cell it fuses with it to form a zygote and fertilisation takes place.

Cross-pollination

Self-Pollination

PROCESS OF POLLINATION

HOW TO TAKE CARE FOR FLOWER

Step 1 Water flowers regularly. It is important to get the watering balance right - don't over water or the flowers might rot. Don't underwater or they might not get enough and wilt and die. It is very important to know the requirements of your type of flower. Flowers differ according to where they originated from, whether they are a cold or hot climate species, whether they prefer shade or sun, what sort of soil type they prefer, etc. Step 2 Give flowers the right place in the garden. Some flowers require full sun, some prefer partial, or even full shade. Make the most of your house to provide these needs - use the sunny side for sun-lovers and the shady side for shade-dwellers. Step 3 Plant them in good, suitable soil with plenty of compost for nutrition, mulch for water retention and space to grow. Many flowers do brilliantly in pots, so if you don't have a lot of space, purchase flowers that bloom well in confined spaces. Again, it's really important to know the needs for your flower types; some prefer more fertilizing than others, some hate wet feet, others need lots of watering, some cope with soggy soils while others need great drainage. Some flowers are almost indestructible, while others are very delicate. It pays to grow strong flowers when you're a beginner gardener! Step 4 Keep pets and other animals away from flowers. Animals with a desire to munch your flowers will spoil them. Worse still, if the flowers are poisonous, your pet might become sick.\ Step 5 Remember to take care of them regularly. Well-tended flowers will last a long time and produce wonderful blooms for you.