anther

Anther is the pollen-producing part of a flower’s stamen, the male reproductive organ of flowering plants. In a typical stamen, the filament supports the anther, which is usually bilobed and contains multiple pollen sacs (thecae) arranged in two locules. The number and arrangement of the sacs can vary among species.

Development and structure: Inside the anther, microsporocytes undergo meiosis to form microspores, which develop into pollen grains. A nutritive tissue called the tapetum supports pollen development. At maturity, the anther splits open (dehisces) to release pollen. Dehiscence commonly occurs along a line called the stomium, though some anthers release pollen through pores or slits. The released pollen grains are the male gametophytes that fertilize the ovules after reaching the ovule via pollination.

Function and variation: The primary function of the anther is to produce and disseminate pollen. Anther size, shape, and position vary widely among plant groups and can influence pollination strategies. In many grasses and flowers, the anther is exserted or protrudes from the corolla. Some groups have poricidal or explosive pollen release mechanisms, where pollen exits through small pores or via rapid tissue movements. In gymnosperms, male structures also produce microspores, but the term anther is most commonly applied to angiosperms.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin anthera, meaning “flower male part” or “anther, a pollen-bearing organ.”

Anthers play a central role in plant reproduction by shaping pollen availability and influencing interactions with pollinators and wind.