ers are defined as the reproductive structures of angiosperms (flowering plants), while cones are regarded as the gymnosperm equivalent.[note 1] Bloom is similarly defined, but may also be used to describe the collective of flowers on a plant, as in the phrase: covered with bloom. Flower is also commonly used to describe the whole of a plant that produces flowers. Flower entered Middle English via Old French flor from earlier Latin fl?s, fl?ris and before that Proto-Italic *fl?s, all of which had the same meaning 'flower'. The spelling flour was more common in English until the 17th century, when it became specialised to mean "ground grain" — originally an instance of figurative flower meaning "best part; finest". The Old English word for flower was blossom, which is still used today, but refers especially to the flowers of edible fruit trees, and not to the whole flowering plant. Flower, bloom, and blossom are all cognates and are derived from the Proto-Indo-European word ('blossoming'). Both bloom and blossom refer to flowers as well as the state of flowering; as in the phrases: in bloom or in blossom. Function The main purpose of a flower is reproduction of the individual, aiding in the survival of the species. Flowers not only produce spores, which become gametophytes that produce sex cells, leading to fertilised cells, but also develop and help disseminate seeds. Sexual reproduction between plants results in evolutionary adaptation, which improves species survival. Plants favour cross-pollination because it promotes the joining of sex cells from genetically distinct plants of the same species, thereby increasing genetic diversity. Facilitating this process is a key function of flowers and is often reflected in their form and structure. Features designed to attract pollinators are among the most common adaptations. Floral diagram showing that the pedicel, the stalk, supports a vegetive perianth consisting of sepals and petals. These enclose the stamens, which present the pollen, and the pistil, containing stigma to receive the pollen and direct it to the ovules within the ovary. The ovules contain the egg cells. Diagram of flower structure The structure of a flower, termed its morphology, can be considered in two parts: the vegetative part, consisting of non-reproductive structures such as petals; and the reprod