GYNOECIUM (PISTIL)

Gynoecium is the female reproductive organ of the flower which is composed of one or more carpels (It is ovule bearing structure evolved from non green leaf like appendage, a simple pistil or one of the segment of the compound pistil). Each gynoecium or pistil is of three parts: ovary, style and stigma. The swollen basal part of the pistil is called ovary. The ovary may have one or more locules or chambers. Each locule is provided with one or more ovules on placentae. On maturity after fertilization ovary develops into fruits and ovules develops into seeds. Above the ovary the carpel is protuded into a long or short style. The style ends with a round, sticky stigma. The Style is the slender stalk supporting the stigma and Stigma is the small rounded or lobed head of the pistil.

Some Descriptive Terms of The Gynoecium
Gynophore: - The portion of the thalamus which bears gynoecium is called gynophore.
Pistil: - The collective terms of Ovary, Style and Stigma.
Ovule: - Inside the ovary there is minute structure is present which develops into seeds after fertilization is known as Ovule.
Placentae: -The parenchymatous cushion shaped structure which bear ovule is known as Placentae.
Monocarpellary: -The pistil which is composed of only one carpel is known as Monocarpellary. E.g.:- Pea
Bicarpellary: - The pistil which is composed of two carpels is known as Bicarpellary. E.g.:- Brassica
Tricarpellary: - The pistil which is composed of three carpels is known as Tricarpellary. E.g.:- Liliaceae
Tetracarpellary: - The pistil which is composed of four carpels is known as Tetracarpellary.
Pentacarpellary: - The pistil which is composed of five carpels is known as Pentacarpellary.
Polycarpellary/Multicarpellary:- The pistil which is composed of many carpels is known as Polycarpellary/Multicarpellary. E.g.:- Rose, Papaver.
Apocarpous: - The carpels are free. E.g.:- Ranunculus.Syncarpous: - The carpels are wholly partially united. E.g.:- Mustard.