nectary

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Plants secrete a variety of substances from specialized structures called secretory structures. Nectaries are structures that secrete nectar, a sugary compound that attracts insects, birds, or other animals. Most nectaries are associated with flowers and are called floral nectaries. Nectar is 10 to 50 percent sugar, especially sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Plants usually produce small amounts of nectar, which forces foraging animals to visit several flowers before obtaining a full meal. A single insect or bird can, therefore, pollinate tens or hundreds of plants.

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A gland that contains nectar. It is usually located near the base of a petal or stamen. In the process of securing nectar, a pollinator becomes dusted with pollen, which is then transferred to the next flower it visits.

a gland that secretes the sugary fluid called nectar. Nectaries occur in many animal-pollinated flowers, to attract insects, birds, and other pollinating agents.

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For a list of words related to nectary, see:

• Botany and Plant Parts - nectary: organ of plant that secretes nectar

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