Stamens and carpels. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the stamens (male, yellow) and carpels (female) of the Houttuynia cordata plant. The male reproductive organs are made up of a stalk (filament) that supports a bulbous pollen sac (anther). The female reproductive organ comprises a stigma that the male gametes land on, a stalk (style) and the ovary, where fertilization occurs. The Houttuynia cordata plant is used as a herb, for its antibacterial and astringent properties. It is found in the damp, wet habitats of eastern Asia. Magnification unknown.