Fertilization in most plants involves a means for the transfer of the male gametes, the POLLEN, from the male to the female parts of another flower. Transfer can also take place within a single flower and this is called SELF-FERTILIZATION, many plants prevent this happening and are SELF-INCOMPATIBLE. They will only accept pollen from another individual of the same species, this will tend to promote genetic diversity within the population.

Most tropical trees use animals to help transfer pollen between individuals. This is in contrast to temperate trees where wind-pollination is the preferred mechanism. The appearance of the flower is largely determined by the pollination mechanism adopted. Bauhinias are pollinated by insects and have large coloured and scented flowers to attract the insects. Insect visitors are offered nectar as a reward which they obtain from the base of the flower. As they enter the flower they pass over the ANTHERS which contain the pollen and some of the pollen will adhere to their body. When next visiting another flower this pollen can be brushed off onto the sticky STIGMA positioned above the anthers to touch visiting insects.

Once the pollen grains arrive on the moist stigma they will germinate and produce a pollen tube that grows down the STYLE until it reaches the OVARY where fertilization of the female egg cell can occur. The egg will now grow and develop into the seed.