The gynoecium , the collective term for all the carpels , is the innermost whorl of the parts of a flower , and in many flowers the other parts ( sepals , petals , and stamens ) are attached to the receptacle beneath the gynoecium . The relationship of the other flower parts to the gynoecium can be an important systematic and taxonomic character . The ovary of the gynoecium can be above the attachment of petals and sepals to the receptacle .