Dichogamy is the maturation of stamens and pistils at different times in the same flower. This phenomenon is found in many flowering plants and serves as a mechanism to prevent self-fertilization and promote outcrossing.


There are two types of dichogamy:

1. Protandry: In protandry, the stamens mature before the pistils. This sequence of maturation prevents self-fertilization and promotes cross-pollination. This type of dichogamy is common in many plant species, including sunflowers and hollyhocks.

2. Protogyny: In protogyny, the pistils mature before the stamens. This sequence of maturation also prevents self-fertilization and promotes cross-pollination. Examples of plants exhibiting protogyny include kiwifruit and evening primrose.


Dichogamy plays a crucial role in plant reproductive success and genetic diversity. Here are some reasons why dichogamy is advantageous:

1. Preventing self-fertilization: By maturing stamens and pistils at different times, plants prevent self-fertilization, which can lead to inbreeding depression. Cross-pollination ensures the exchange of genetic material between different individuals, increasing genetic diversity and adaptability.

2. Promoting outcrossing: Dichogamy promotes outcrossing, where pollen from one flower is transferred to the stigma of another flower. Outcrossing increases genetic variation within a population, enhancing its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

3. Avoiding interference between male and female reproductive organs: By separating the maturation of stamens and pistils, plants prevent interference between male and female reproductive organs within the same flower. This reduces the chances of self-pollination and increases the effectiveness of cross-pollination.

4. Reducing pollen wastage: In plants with dichogamy, the maturation of stamens and pistils is synchronized with the availability of pollinators. This ensures that pollen is not wasted when pollinators are not present, increasing the efficiency of pollination.

In conclusion, dichogamy is the maturation of stamens and pistils at different times in the same flower. This mechanism promotes cross-pollination, prevents self-fertilization, and enhances genetic diversity in plant populations.