Page 18 - (DK) Flowers
P. 18
Bursting into flower The three petals of Calling all bees
an iris that point
An iris is not just a pretty
upward are called shape —it is a complicated
A flower bud is like a well-packed suitcase. It has the “standards.” In machine that attracts bees
this iris, they are
a tough outer cover, which stops it from being frilly and rounded. to visit it. Once a bee
has landed, the flower
damaged. Inside, the different parts of the flower sprinkles it with a
are rolled up tight, so they take up very little space. dust called pollen.
As the bud grows, the flower expands
inside. Soon, the flower becomes so The highest bud The three
big that it can no longer fit in the bud. flowers first. When drooping petals Bees use falls
as landing
Then it bursts into bloom. it withers, the next are called “falls.” platforms.
bud opens.
Petals unfold after
Iris flower buds bursting through the Streaks on the petals guide
grow out from bud’s papery sepals. bees to a sweet food called
nectar at the center of
folds in the Tightly
the flower.
pointed leaves. rolled
petals
Pretty in pink
This lily bud is shaped like
a torpedo. It has six long,
pointed petals. Lilies grow Ovary
from bulbs and come in
a range of colors. Inside the bud
This iris bud has
The buds are been sliced open
protected Anther coated just before it was
by sepals. Bearded bloom with pollen about to bloom. See
The German iris, if you can make out
also called “bearded iris,” the rolled-up petals
blooms in late spring to and the ovary, where
early summer. It often the seeds are made.
has fragrant flowers.
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