6. Pollen

 Fun fact: Sarah won a blue ribbon
in a garden show for her pretty Cosmos
back in 2011. They're her favorite
flower!

Definition: Pollen is a powdery substance found in flowers. It is discharged from the male part of the flower. The pollen contains male gametes which fertilize the female ovary and is spread by wind, insects, and other animals.

What the specimen is: This is Sarah's favorite variation of the 35 main types of Cosmos. These are known as "bright lights" and are orange, yellow, or red as opposed to normal cosmos which are purple, light pink, and hot pink. The scientific name is Cosmos bipinnatus.

Where we found it: These were in Sarah's garden.

How it relates to pollen: The center of this flower is clearly visible, exposing the yellow pollen. Cosmos, like most flowers need this powder in order to reproduce.