What is the main function of sepals in flowers?

The main function of sepals in flowers is to protect the flower bud. Sepals are the outermost part of the flower and are typically green and leaf-like in appearance. They serve multiple protective roles, primarily by encasing and shielding the developing flower before it opens. This protection is crucial during the early stages of flower development, as it helps safeguard the delicate reproductive structures inside from environmental factors such as harsh weather, pests, and diseases.

While other parts of the flower, such as petals, attract pollinators, sepals do not play a direct role in this process. They also do not produce nectar or absorb sunlight, as those functions are typically associated with other plant structures (like nectar-producing glands in petals or leaves that carry out photosynthesis). Therefore, the protective role of sepals is essential for the flower's overall development and eventual reproductive success.