The sexual parts of plants are of great interest to bees, butterflies, and botanists. In Meadow beauty (above), eight yellow stamens and one greenish pistil are hanging out there in all their glory. Look for Meadow beauty in July at the Indiana Dunes. Photo by Joe Nowak.

In orchids (right), the stigmas and stamens are fused with one specialized petal. A complex mechanism assures pollination — but only if the ecosystem supports the right species of specialized pollinators. You’ll find grass pink orchid blooming in July in peaty bogs and fens. Photo by Michael Redmer.