The gynoecium is the collective term for the female reproductive parts of a
flower, collectively known as the
pistil. Typically, a pistil consists of an enlarged base called the
ovary, which contains
ovules (potential seeds), a stalk called the style, and a
pollen-receptive tip called the stigma. When pollen lands on the stigma, it begins
germination and forms a pollen tube that grows down the style for
fertilization of the ovules within the ovary. The ovary itself will develop into a
botanical fruit, enclosing the seeds. The gynoecium is surrounded by the androecium, which comprises the male reproductive organs, the
stamens.