Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

212

THE EXQUISITE BEAUTY, color, and scent of flowers have

inspired artists and poets for centuries. Flowers are

among the most brightly colored of all living things.

They include sun-loving desert marigolds, hardy

poppies in the snowy Arctic, tropical orchids, and

cultivated garden roses, as well as some tiny

inconspicuous flowers. Without the thousands of

different flowers and herbs that grow on Earth,

bees could not make honey, butterflies and

hummingbirds would have no food, we would have

no flowerbeds, and perfume would have no fragrance.

For most of us, the word “flower” describes any

flowering plant that is particularly colorful or pretty. To

the botanist who studies plants, however, a flower refers

strictly to the reproductive part of a plant—its bloom or

blossom. The word “herb” is an everyday name we give to

smaller, less colorful flowering plants whose leaves and

blossoms have a strong, pleasant scent and taste.

Parsley is a

garnish, an

ingredient in

sauces, and a

treatment for

urinary illnesses.

Ovary

contains

ovules

(seeds).

The flower head

contains the

reproductive parts

of the plant—as

shown by this pink

lily flower.

Thyme is a fragrant

addition to meats,

as a garnish, and

for mouth, throat,

and chest illnesses.

HErBS

Plants known as herbs usually have green, juicy stems, unlike

trees and shrubs, which have hard, woody stems. Some herbs

and other flowering plants are described as annuals because

they grow, flower, produce seeds, and die all in one year.

Others are known as biennials because their life cycle takes

two years; perennials live for an indefinite number of years.

Stamen

(male parts)

FlOWEr STrUcTUrE

Sepals are usually green and scaly, and

protect the flower in its bud. They often

drop off once the flower has blossomed.

Petals may be large and colorful

to attract bees and butterflies.

The male cells lie in the

pollen grains, contained in

the anthers. The female

cells are inside the ovary,

below the stigma and style.

Sage

flavors many

dishes, from

pork to

poultry, and is

used to treat

sore throats

and colds.

Flowers and herbs 212-

Bay leaf adds

flavor to

casseroles

and stocks.

Stigma

receives

pollen

Filament

Rosemary is a

companion to lamb

dishes, and brewed

in tea for headaches

and upset

stomachs.

Mint is used to make tea; it also clears

a stuffy nose and eases indigestion.

Tarragon

is often used

in French

cooking.

Oregano

(wild

marjoram)

is used for

meat,

stuffing, and

pizza, and to

aid digestion.

HErB gArdEn

Tending the herb garden was once an important part of daily life

because people relied on the natural products that they grew

themselves. Herbs are used to add flavor to food, scent the air, help

us relax, and treat illnesses. Many of our modern medicines contain

herbs; peppermint, for example, is used in many

anti-indigestion pills. Herbal oils, known

as essential oils, are extracted from

herbs and used in the production

of perfume and bath oils.

Basil is popular in

Mediterranean cooking

and is also used as an

insect repellent.

Style

Anther

with

pollen

Petals are brightly

colored to attract

insects in search

of nectar.

Sepals protect

inner parts

of flower.

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