1. A leaf or leaf-like structure that bears microsporangia (pollen sacs) in seed plants and ferns; a stamen in flowering plants.
Usage: botanical term; technical

Examples

• The microsporophyll of a flowering plant is commonly known as a stamen.
• In ferns, the microsporophyll produces spores that develop into male gametophytes.
• The structure of the microsporophyll varies significantly among different plant species.
• Botanists examine the microsporophyll to understand plant reproduction and evolution.
• The microsporophyll is the male reproductive organ in seed-bearing plants.