stigma – part of the reproductive system of a flower that collects pollen

(Pronounced stig-muh)

Note: The Stig is a character from the British motoring television shop Top Gear. Known for his white racing suit and helmet. 

To remember the meaning of stigma, use the following mnemonic:

The Stig's ma (stigma) collects pollen.

The stigma is the receptive tip of the female reproductive organ (pistil) in a flower, located at the top of the style above the ovary. It serves as the landing platform for pollen grains during pollination and is specifically adapted to capture and hold pollen effectively. The stigma typically has a sticky, moist surface that helps pollen grains adhere to it, and may also be feathery, branched or enlarged to increase the surface area for pollen collection. Once pollen lands on the stigma, it must be compatible with the plant species for fertilisation to occur - the stigma can recognise and accept pollen from the same species while rejecting foreign pollen. After compatible pollen makes contact, it germinates the stigma surface and grows a pollen tube down through the style to reach the ovules in the ovary, allowing fertilisation to take place.