Most holly trees are dioecious; which structure is found in the flowers of a male holly plant?

Most holly trees are dioecious; which structure is found in the flowers of a male holly plant?

• A. Stamen
• B. Stigma
• C. Ovary
• D. Anther

Answer: (A)

Dioecious plants have male and female flowers on separate plants, so the male flowers carry the structures that produce pollen. In a male holly flower, the reproductive organs are the stamens, which consist of a filament topped by an anther—the part that actually makes pollen. The stigma and ovary belong to the female flower’s pistil, not to the male. So the structure you’d find in a male holly flower is the stamen, the male reproductive organ that carries the pollen-producing anther.

Dioecious plants have male and female flowers on separate plants, so the male flowers carry the structures that produce pollen. In a male holly flower, the reproductive organs are the stamens, which consist of a filament topped by an anther—the part that actually makes pollen. The stigma and ovary belong to the female flower’s pistil, not to the male. So the structure you’d find in a male holly flower is the stamen, the male reproductive organ that carries the pollen-producing anther.