Stigma (botany)

The stigma, together with the style and ovary (typically called the stigma-style-ovary system) comprises the pistil, which is part of the gynoecium or female reproductive organ of a plant.

The stigma itself forms the distal portion of the style, or stylodia, and is composed of stigmatic papillae, the cells of which are receptive to pollen.

These may be restricted to the apex of the style or, especially in wind pollinated species, cover a wide surface.

Often sticky, the stigma is adapted in various ways to catch and trap pollen with various hairs, flaps, or sculpturings.

The shape of the stigma may vary considerably:[2] The style is a narrow upward extension of the ovary, connecting it to the stigmatic papillae.

Most syncarpous monocots and some eudicots have open styles, while many syncarpous eudicots and grasses have closed (solid) styles containing specialised secretory transmitting tissue, linking the stigma to the centre of the ovary.

Diagram showing the stigma-style-ovary system of the female reproductive organ of a plant. The stigma is fixed to the apex of the style , a narrow upward extension of the ovary .
Stigma of a Tulipa species, with pollen
Closeup of stigma surrounded by stamens of Lilium 'Stargazer')
Maize stigmas, collectively called "silk"