Do the Petals on Flowers Undergo Photosynthesis?

Flowers generally have the reproductive parts of plants. They contain the male reproductive part, known as stamen, which produces pollen. Pollen spreads and fertilizes the female reproductive part, which is known as pistil or carpel.

Common Photosynthetic Parts

• Plants generally conduct photosynthesis in the leaves. Chlorophyll in the leaves absorbs some light wavelengths and reflects the green wavelengths, making them appear green. Chloroplasts in the leaves use the trapped light energy to conduct the chemical processes of photosynthesis.

Photosynthetic Flowers

• Some petals of green flowers can conduct photosynthesis, producing energy and carbon for the plant. This photosynthetic process contributes more energy if other organs that remain after flowering are green -- for example, green carpels.

Significance

• Photosynthesis in flowers can make significant contributions to the growth of the plant. In some plants, the reproductive structures can produce half of the carbon requirements.