staminode
/ˈstæmɪnoʊd/
noun
- A sterile or modified stamen that does not produce pollen, often serving to attract pollinators.
- Botanists studied the staminode's role in the flower's pollination strategy.
- In some flowers, the staminode is brightly colored to attract insects.
- The showy staminode of the iris resembles a petal and guides bees to the nectar.