Blütenblatt

Blütenblatt, also known as a petal, is a part of a flower. Typically, petals are the most visually striking part of a flower, often brightly colored or unusually shaped to attract pollinators such as insects or birds. They surround the reproductive parts of the flower, the stamens and pistil.

The function of petals is primarily to attract pollinators. Their color, scent, and even shape are evolved to be appealing to specific species. Some petals have nectar guides, patterns that are visible under ultraviolet light, which direct pollinators to the nectar reward. In some cases, petals can also provide a landing platform for pollinators.

While often colorful, petals can also be reduced or absent in some species, particularly those that rely on wind pollination. The number, shape, and arrangement of petals can vary greatly among different plant families and species. In some flowers, what appear to be petals are actually modified leaves called bracts. The collective term for all the petals of a flower is the corolla. The corolla is usually the innermost whorl of floral leaves, situated inside the calyx (sepals) and outside the androecium (stamens).