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cleistogamic

cleistogamic

9.9
Having flowers that self-pollinate without opening
  • adjective
  • /ˌklaɪstəˈɡæmɪk/
  • Specialized
: cleistogámico
  • Many violets produce cleistogamic flowers that do not open but still set seed.

Examples

  • Researchers observed both showy and cleistogamic blooms on the same plant.

  • The cleistogamic flowers of the species ensure reproduction even in harsh conditions.

  • The cleistogamic nature of certain plants ensures self-pollination in harsh conditions.

  • Many plants have cleistogamic flowers that thrive in shaded areas.

  • Many violets produce cleistogamic flowers that do not open but still set seed.

  • The cleistogamic nature of certain plants allows them to reproduce without the need for pollinators.

  • Some species of grasses have cleistogamic flowers that can self-pollinate in varying weather conditions.

Synonyms

self-pollinated
vscleistogamic
  • Specialized
1 5.8

Able to make seeds using pollen from the same plant, not from another plant

focuses on fertilization that happens without flowers opening
self-pollinating
vscleistogamic
  • Specialized
1 5.6

A plant that can use its own pollen to make seeds without pollen from another plant

highlights ability rather than the specific closed flower condition
autogamous
vscleistogamic
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A plant or flower that can make seeds without pollen from another plant

narrows this to selfing that occurs without flower opening
cleistogamous
vscleistogamic
  • Specialized
9.9

Having flowers that stay closed and pollinate themselves

is the alternate adjective form with identical meaning
autogamic
vscleistogamic
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant that can make seeds by itself

specifies closed flowers as the mode of self-fertilization

Surface Forms

cleistogamic positive

Morphology

cleistogamic = cleistogamy (opaque) = cleisto + gamy + ic

Although morphologically formed from 'cleistogamy' + '-ic', the components are Greek combining forms and the term is technical, so its meaning is not readily deducible by average learners.

Etymology

Cleistogamic comes from Greek roots kleistos ('closed') and gamos ('marriage'), and the -gamic part is like the gamy in monogamy. So a cleistogamic flower is like a 'closed marriage': it makes seeds by itself without opening.