Difference between Flower and Bud

Key Difference: Flower refers to a part of the plant that contains the reproductive organs. It is often surrounded by colorful petals and sepals. Bud refers to an elementary stage of a leaf and flower. It occurs as a small auxiliary or terminal protuberance (stem) on a plant.

A flower is a part of the plant that generally contains the reproductive organs. Sometimes, a flower is also known as a bloom or blossom. A flower is usually recognized by its petals and sepals. It is generally placed at or towards the extremities of the branches. All flowers have female and male parts. Carpel is the name used to denote a female part, whereas stamen is used to denote a male part of the flower. Flowers have various uses. They are beautiful and most of them smell divine. Some of the flowers are edible, and thus can be used in cooking.

Bud refers to an elementary stage of a leaf and flower. It occurs as a small auxiliary or terminal protuberance (stem) on a plant. A bud may remain in same formation for some time or it may also shoot immediately. Buds are usually protected by a covering of scales which are the modified leaves. During the growth of a bud, these scales may enlarge or drop off. Bud parts can be divided into -

Bud Primordium: Meristematic tissue that develops a lateral bud or shoot.

Flower Primordium: Meristematic tissue that develops a flower.

Leaf Primordium: Meristematic tissue that develops a leaf.

Promeristem: Apical growing or meristematic tissue that develops other bud parts.

Scale: Protective leaf on outside of bud.

( Meristematic tissues are the cells or group of cells that have the ability to divide)

Comparison between Flower and Bud:

	Flower	Bud
Definition	A flower is a part of a plant that generally contains the reproductive organs. Sometimes, a flower is also known as a bloom or blossom.	Bud refers to an elementary stage of a leaf and flower. It occurs as a small auxiliary or terminal protuberance (stem) on a plant.
Types	Based on variations of basic parts: Complete Flowers - contains sepals, petals, stamens and pistil and Incomplete Flowers – lacks any or more basic parts. Unisexual - either staminate (bearing stamens only) or pistillate (bearing pistils only) And Bisexual Flowers - have both stamens and pistil. Superior - the base of the ovary is located above where the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached. Or Inferior Ovaries - An inferior flower has an ovary below where the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached. Fused-parts are united. and Distinct Floral Parts – parts are free. Regular- the petals of similar shape radiate from the center of the flower and are equidistant from one another and Irregular Flowers - Flowers with irregular or bilateral symmetry have parts arranged in such a way that only one line can divide the flower into equal halves that are more or less mirror images of each other, etc.	Based on location: Terminal - located at the tip of a stem Auxiliary - located at the tip of a stem Adventitious – occurring anywhere else. Based on Status: Accessory - for secondary buds formed besides a principal bud Resting - for buds that form at the end of a growth season Dormant - buds whose growth has been delayed for a rather long time. Pseudoterminal - for an auxiliary bud taking over the function of a terminal bud Based on morphology: Scaly - when scales (which are in fact transformed and reduced leaves) cover and protect the embryonic parts. Naked – No scales. Hairy – another layer of protection by hair. Based on function: Vegetative - only containing vegetative pieces Reproductive - if containing embryonic flower Mixed - if containing both embryonic leaves and flowers.
Origin	From Old French flor "flower, blossom; heyday, prime; fine flour; elite; innocence, virginity"	Unknown Origin; perhaps from Old French boter "push forward, thrust"
Examples	Rose, Sunflower, Orchid, Rose.	Flower buds of the Marsh Marigold, Poplar Buds, etc.