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Glite Dictionary
monocarpic

monocarpic

9.9
A plant that flowers and makes seeds only once then dies
  • adjective
  • /ˌmɒnəˈkɑːrpɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : monocárpico
  • Many agave species are monocarpic, producing seeds a single time in their life cycle.

Examples

  • The rare monocarpic flowered in its greenhouse, marking the end of its life.

  • Bamboo is a monocarpic plant, flowering only once before it withers and dies.

  • The monocarpic plant blooms only once in its lifetime.

  • Many monocarpic species die after they produce seeds.

  • The monocarpic plant blooms once and then dies, having produced its seeds.

  • Unlike other perennials, this species is monocarpic, flowering only a single time in its lifetime.

  • After its monocarpic cycle, the plant withered, having fulfilled its purpose of reproduction.

Synonyms

semelparous
vsmonocarpic
  • Specialized
9.9

An animal or plant that reproduces only once and then dies

applies specifically to plants that flower and fruit once before dying

Antonyms

perennial
20 5.1

Living for several years and flowering each year

Compounds

monocarpic plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant that flowers and makes fruit only once and then dies

How Often

rebloom
  • Specialized
3.9
seasonal
85 2.7
monocarpic
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

monocarpic positive

Morphology

monocarpic = carpic (opaque) = mono + carp + ic

The prefix mono- is clear, but the botanical base carpic is technical, so the full meaning is not readily recoverable for an average learner.

Etymology

Monocarpic comes from Greek parts mono- 'one' (as in monopoly) and carpos 'fruit'. So it means a plant that flowers and makes fruit only once in its life before it dies.