The root system of azaleas and all flowered plants consists of a primary root with other lateral roots. The primary root is one of the first to form, and it helps absorb the initial nutrients that seeds need to grow out of the soil. Lateral roots help absorb water and nutrients, and they also provide stability to the plant's structure. The most common types of nutrients that are absorbed in the soil through the roots are nitrogen, iron and potassium.
Stems and leaves on azaleas differ, depending on the type. However, all azaleas have a stem that comes from the primary root and contains a variety of leaves that aid in photosynthesis. The leaves may be scattered randomly around the stem or patterned. Many times, a small structure of leaves can be found directly underneath the flowers, which helps support the flowers and catch moisture that may fall on the flower.
The flower varies depending on the type of azalea. Most flowers have an upper petal and two petals on the side of the upper lobe. The upper petal is called the dorsal and the side petals are called wings. The base of the flower has what is called a calyx, which appears as small green triangles at the base of the flower. These outer petals help attract insects to the flower and contain most of the flower's scent.
Flowers have male or female parts, and male flower parts include a stamen inside of the outer petals. The stamen contains filament that holds the pollen of the flower. Female parts of flowers have ovules and ovaries, which are similar to the ovaries of humans. The ovules contain eggs that are fertilized by bees or butterflies that carry pollen from the stamen. The ovary protects the ovule and helps with fertilization.