Heath flower stamens. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the stamens of a flower of a heath plant (Erica sp.). The stamens are the male reproductive parts of a flowering plant, each one consisting of an anther (brown, upper centre) that is supported by a filament (yellow, lower centre). The stamens circle the style (central spike), part of the pistil or carpel, the female reproductive structure. The anthers produce the pollen that contains the male sex cells. The other parts (not seen) of the carpel are the ovary (containing the female sex cells) at its base, and the stigma (for receiving pollen) at its tip. Magnification: x26 at 6x7cm size.