Iris flower. (2nd of 5 images). Close-up of a flower of a garden iris (Iris germanica) opening. Some of the male parts of the flower (the stamens) can be seen along the petals. The anthers (yellow) hold pollen and are themselves supported above the petals by long white filaments. The bright contrasting colours and arrangement of anthers are designed to attract insects. The pollen brushes off onto hairs on the insects which come to feed on the nectar in the flower. The iris is a tall and elegant plant which lives in grassy areas and flowers from May to June. See photos B570/027-031 for sequence of flower opening.