Staminode

A staminode is a sterile or infertile stamen. Stamens are the pollen-producing parts of a flower, normally consisting of a filament (stalk) and an anther (pollen sac). A staminode, however, lacks functional pollen-producing capabilities, or may be morphologically altered to resemble other floral parts.

Staminodes can take on various forms, ranging from small, rudimentary structures to petal-like shapes. Their functions vary depending on the species. In some cases, staminodes may contribute to the overall visual display of the flower, attracting pollinators. They can also serve to protect the fertile stamens or pistils. In other instances, the function of staminodes remains unclear.

The presence and characteristics of staminodes are often important taxonomic features used in plant identification and classification. The evolution of staminodes from fertile stamens is a topic of interest in studies of floral development and evolution. The term is primarily used in botany.