Have you ever thought how wonderful flower petals are?
Wording of this Handout:
First they push out from a stem, then they unfold, and while this is happening the cells in the living petal sheets are growing and bending, filling and stretching.
The water in the petals has to be just the right pressure, to fill the shape. Too much pressure and the petals would break, or leak, and too little pressure and the petals would crumple and droop.
The petals are usually coloured as well, sometimes with beautiful colours, and sometimes not.
The petals provide shelter for the pollen, and an attractive landing base for insects. They also hold the perfume, if any, from being blown about too quickly.
Next time you see some buds beginning to open, have a close look and watch the marvelous sight. You will see an example of the finest hydraulic engineering on the earth.