Pistil

Pistil, "somewhat ambiguous term, applied either to the gynjeceum or entire female reproductive apparatus in a flower, or to the individual carpels in an apocarpous polycarpellary gynjeceum. In the latter case each pistil consists of an ovary containing the ovules, a stigma to receive the pollen, and generally a style or column connecting the two. In this case, as in the buttercup or rose, a single flower may be furnished with numerous pistils. In the former case, though stigmas and styles may be distinct, as in grasses or carnations, the ovary may be united, and either one-chambered internally or with as many, or twice as many, chambers as there are carpels. [Carpel.]