This purple coneflowers is known as a composite flower.

In these types of flowers, what we see as one bloom is actually a composite of two different type of flowers! There are:

1. Simple ray flowers (outside), which serve to attract pollinators.
2. Complete disc flowers (inside) where the pollination actually occurs.

Fun Fact – Sunflowers are also composite flowers!

Teaching Science at Home

Want to learn more about flowers? Check out the following articles:

• See the five most common types of daisies at Hub Pages.
• Dissect a flower with these directions.
• Learn more about composite flowers from Backyard Nature.