This purple coneflowers is known as a composite flower.
In these types of flowers, what we see as one bloom is actually a composite of two different type of flowers! There are:
- Simple ray flowers (outside), which serve to attract pollinators.
- Complete disc flowers (inside) where the pollination actually occurs.
Fun Fact – Sunflowers are also composite flowers!
Teaching Science at Home
Want to learn more about flowers? Check out the following articles:
- See the five most common types of daisies at Hub Pages.
- Dissect a flower with these directions.
- Learn more about composite flowers from Backyard Nature.
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