Lime anther and pollen grains. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the anther of a flower of the small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), with several pollen grains (beige) visible. The anther is borne on a long, thin filament (lower left). Anthers are the male parts of a flower, and produce pollen. Pollen grains contain the male gametes of the plant, and travel to the female stigma to fertilise the egg (or ovule) to form the plant's seeds. Pollen from flowering plants is usually spread by insects or wind. Magnification: x47 at 6x7cm size.