The stigma is the sticky, often protruding part of the pistil, the female reproductive organ of a flower.

Here's why it's important:

* Pollen contains the male gametes (sperm) needed for fertilization.

* The stigma captures the pollen.

* The pollen then travels down the style (the tube connecting the stigma to the ovary) to reach the ovary.

* Inside the ovary, the sperm fertilizes the ovules, leading to seed development.