Cleistogamous flowers are flowers that self-pollinate without ever opening. They are generally small, inconspicuous, and occur in many plants. While these flowers are relatively common, the reason why they are invariably autogamous remains a mystery. In this article, we will explore why cleistogamous flowers are always self-pollinating and what this means for the plants they inhabit.
Cleistogamous Flowers
Cleistogamy is a type of self-pollination that occurs without the flower ever opening. The petals remain closed, and the flower is unable to receive pollen from other plants. As a result, the plant is able to self-fertilize and produce viable offspring. Cleistogamous flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, and they occur in a variety of plants, including grasses, legumes, and asters.
Invariably Autogamous
Despite the fact that cleistogamous flowers are able to receive pollen from other plants, they are invariably autogamous. This means that the flowers will always self-pollinate, regardless of the presence of other flowers. This is due to the fact that the flowers are too small and inconspicuous to be noticed by pollinators, and as a result, they are unable to receive pollen from other plants.
The fact that cleistogamous flowers are invariably autogamous has important implications for the plants they inhabit. Self-pollination is a less efficient form of reproduction, and as a result, it can lead to decreased genetic diversity and a decrease in the health of the plant population. However, cleistogamous flowers may also provide an important source of genetic variability, as the flowers are able to self-fertilize and produce viable offspring.
In conclusion, cleistogamous flowers are small, inconspicuous flowers that self-pollinate without ever opening. Despite the fact that these flowers are able to receive pollen from other plants, they are invariably autogamous. This is likely due to the fact that the flowers are too small and inconspicuous to be noticed by pollinators, resulting in the flowers self-fertilizing and producing viable offspring. This has important implications for the plants they inhabit, as it can lead to decreased genetic diversity and a decrease in the health of the plant population.