The stamen is the male reproductive part of a flower, responsible for producing pollen. It typically consists of two main parts: the anther, which produces and holds the pollen grains, and the filament, a slender stalk that supports the anther. Stamens can vary in number and size among different species of flowers. In many flowering plants, the stamen plays a crucial role in reproduction by facilitating the transfer of pollen to the pistil, the female reproductive part. This process is essential for fertilization and the production of seeds, contributing to the plant's life cycle and propagation.