Editing Hypanthium (section)

==Variations in plant species==
[[File:Ovary position superior with hypanthium.png|thumb|Ovary superior to hypanthium]]
[[File:2013-04-29 16-35-13-fleur-58f.jpg|thumb|right|In ''[[Spiraea]]'', the hypanthium supports a nectar-producing "disk" which is ring-shaped and may have lobes as it does here. The stamens arise between the petals and the disk.]]
[[File:Flower morphology - longitudinal section showing achene formation and hypanthium in Rosa-01.svg|thumb|Hypanthium in [[Rose|Rosa]]]]
[[File:20140226Narcissus2.jpg|thumb|''Narcissus pseudonarcissus'', showing from the upper bend to the tip of the flower: [[spathe]], ovary, hypanthium, [[tepal]]s, [[perianth#Corona|corona]]]]
In [[Myrtus|myrtles]], the hypanthium can either surround the ovary loosely or tightly; in some cases, it can be fused to the walls of the ovary. It can vary in length. The rims around the outside of the hypanthium contain the calyx lobes or free sepals, [[petal]]s and either the stamen or multiple stamen that are attached at one or two points.
 
The flowers of the [[rose]] family ([[Rosaceae]])  always have some type of hypanthium or at least a floral cup from which the sepals, petals and stamens all arise, which is lined with tissue known as ''nectaries'', which produce [[nectar]], a [[Sugar|sweet]] substance that attracts to the flower birds and bees, which receive [[pollen]] from the lining of the hypanthium, subsequently transferring it to the next flower they visit, usually a neighbouring plant, facilitating [[pollination]].{{sfn|Givnish|1997}}

The stamens borne on the hypanthium are the pollen-producing [[sex organ|reproductive organs]] of the flower. The hypanthium helps in many ways with the reproduction pathways of most plants. It provides weather protection and a medium to sustain the lost pollen, increasing the probability of fertility and cross-pollination.{{sfn|Clarke|2004}} The retained pollen can then attach to [[pollinator]]s such as birds, bees, moths, beetles, bats, butterflies and other animals. Wind can act as an instigator for [[fertilisation]]. The hypanthium is also an adaptive feature for structural support. It helps the [[plant stem|stem]] fuse with the flower, in turn strengthening the bond and overall stability and integrity.{{sfn|Snow|2003}}