What is the carpel or pistil?

The carpel, also known as the pistil, is the female reproductive part of the flower. This structure is essential for the reproduction process in flowering plants. It typically consists of three main parts: the stigma, which receives pollen; the style, which connects the stigma to the ovary; and the ovary itself, which contains the ovules that can develop into seeds once fertilization occurs. Understanding the role of the carpel is crucial because it plays a key role in the reproduction of plants, leading to the formation of fruits and seeds, which are vital for the continuation of species.