<P> In seed plants, the ovule is the structure that gives rise to and contains the female reproductive cells . It consists of three parts: The integument (s), forming its outer layer (s), the nucellus (or remnant of the megasporangium), and the female gametophyte (formed from a haploid megaspore) in its center . The female gametophyte--specifically termed a megagametophyte--is also called the embryo sac in angiosperms . The megagametophyte produces an egg cell (or several in some groups) for the purpose of fertilization . </P> <P> In flowering plants, the ovule is located inside the portion of the flower called the gynoecium . The ovary of the gynoecium produces one or more ovules and ultimately becomes the fruit wall . Ovules are attached to the placenta in the ovary through a stalk - like structure known as a funiculus (plural, funiculi). Different patterns of ovule attachment, or placentation, can be found among plant species, these include: </P> <Ul> <Li> Apical placentation: The placenta is at the apex (top) of the ovary . Simple or compound ovary . </Li> <Li> Axile placentation: The ovary is divided into radial segments, with placentas in separate locules . Ventral sutures of carpels meet at the centre of the ovary . Placentae are along fused margins of carpels . Two or more carpels . (e.g. Hibiscus, Citrus, Solanum) </Li> <Li> Basal placentation: The placenta is at the base (bottom) of the ovary on a protrusion of the thalamus (receptacle). Simple or compound carpel, unilocular ovary . (e.g. Sonchus, Helianthus, Compositae) </Li> <Li> Free - central placentation: Derived from axile as partitions are absorbed, leaving ovules at the central axis . Compound unilocular ovary . (e.g. Stellaria, Dianthus) </Li> <Li> Marginal placentation: Simplest type . There is only one elongated placenta on one side of the ovary, as ovules are attached at the fusion line of the carpel's margins . This is conspicuous in legumes . Simple carpel, unilocular ovary . (e.g. Pisum) </Li> <Li> Parietal placentation: Placentae on inner ovary wall within a non-sectioned ovary, corresponding to fused carpel margins . Two or more carpels, unilocular ovary . (e.g. Brassica) </Li> <Li> Superficial: Similar to axile, but placentae are on inner surfaces of multilocular ovary (e.g. Nymphaea) </Li> </Ul>

Where is the ovule found in a flower