Staminode
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In botany, a staminode is an often rudimentary, sterile or abortive stamen, which means that it does not produce pollen.[1] [page needed ] Staminodes are frequently inconspicuous and stamen-like, usually occurring at the inner whorl of the flower, but are also sometimes long enough to protrude from the corolla.[citation needed ]
Sometimes, the staminodes are modified to produce nectar, as in the witch hazel (Hamamelis).[2]
Staminodes can be a critical characteristic for differentiating between species, for instance in the orchid genus Paphiopedilum , and among the penstemons.
In the case of cannas, the petals are inconsequential and the staminodes are refined into eye-catching petal-like replacements.
A spectacular example of staminode is given by Couroupita guianensis , a tropical tree growing in South America also known as the cannonball tree.