Encyclopedia

Polygamous Plants

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Polygamous Plants

 

flowering plants having both bisexual and unisexual flowers. A plant may have both bisexual and male flowers (andromonoecism; for example, in hellebore) or bisexual and female flowers (gynomonoecism; for example, in catchfly and many plants of the family Compositae). Some plants may have bisexual flowers, male flowers, and female flowers (trimonoecism; for example, in horse chestnut). Some specimens of a polygamous species have bisexual flowers, and others have male flowers (Dryas) or female flowers (forget-me-nots and many plants of the family Labiatae). In some species the bisexual, male, and female flowers may be on different plants (trioecism; ash and grape). There are variations within the above types. Polygamy in plants promotes cross-pollination.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.