What is an anther?

The pollen bearing part of a plant is called the stamen. It comprises of the filament and the anther. The filament is a slender but rigid thread-like structure on top of which the anther is seated. The filament hold the anthers upward away from the stigma of the flower and exposes the anthers to insects and the wind. Once the pollen is formed the anthers are said to be "ripe" and open to release the pollen grains.