The pistil is the female reproductive structure in a flower that has different parts such as style, stigma and ovary. The sterile, nonfunctional and abortive pistil present in staminate flower is called pistillode. It has a simple, reduced structure and function.

Herkogamy is an outbreeding device of a bisexual flower that prevent self-pollination. In this condition, the pollen grains are unable to reach the stigma of the same flower because of spatial separation of the anthers and stigma. The anthers and stigma are arranged in different height or position is an example of herkogamy. It encourages cross-pollination. Example: Gloriosa superba.

Flowers are the reproductive organ of the plant. In plants, flowers may arise singly or in a group. The arrangement of flowers on a floral axis of a plant is termed anthotaxy. The arranged groups of flowers are called an inflorescence. The main axis of an inflorescence is called a peduncle and the stalk of each flower is called a pedicel.

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains (male gametophytes) from the anther to the stigma of the flower. In cross-pollinated plants, it takes place with the help of pollinating agents. The pollination is affected by mollusca like a snail is called malacophily and such flowers are called malacophilous flowers. Example: aroids