July 4,
Myles Standish State Forest, Carver
An umbel of milkweed flowers. In addition to
reflexed calyx and corolla lobes, the unique flower of
milkweed features a crown, a structure formed by five petaliferous
corolla appendages. These are hooded. Each may have an additional
outgrowth called horn. In clasping milkweed the crown is pink. Stamen
filaments are united in a tube enclosing the style. Anthers are also united with
each other and the stigma forming a stigmatic disk. The surface that
receives the pollen is hidden on the lower side of the disk, covered by the
united anthers.