Autogamous Pollination in Cleistogamy

Autogamy or self-fertilization is a type of pollination where the pollen from the stamen of a flower is transferred to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. Cleistogamy is a type of autogamous pollination that occurs in plants with closed, self-fertilizing flowers.

Cleistogamous Flowers

Cleistogamous flowers are small, inconspicuous, and lack petals or sepals. They are usually located at the base of the plant or in the leaf axils. Cleistogamous flowers remain closed and self-fertilize without the aid of pollinators, such as bees or butterflies.

Advantages of Cleistogamy

Cleistogamy offers several advantages to plants, such as:

1. Ensuring reproduction even in the absence of pollinators.
2. Saving energy and resources that would otherwise be used in producing showy, attractive flowers and nectar to attract pollinators.
3. Reducing the risk of outcrossing and the loss of traits adapted to local environments.

Examples of Cleistogamous Plants

Examples of plants that exhibit cleistogamy include:

1. Viola species (violet)
2. Oxalis species (wood sorrel)
3. Impatiens species (jewelweed)
4. Commelina species (spiderwort)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cleistogamy is a type of autogamous pollination that occurs in plants with closed, self-fertilizing flowers. These plants do not rely on pollinators for reproduction and have several advantages, including ensuring reproduction even in the absence of pollinators, saving energy and resources, and reducing the risk of outcrossing. Examples of cleistogamous plants include violets, wood sorrel, jewelweed, and spiderwort.