cleistogamous

American  

[klahy-stog-uh-muhs] / klaɪˈstɒg ə məs /

Also cleistogamic

adjective

Botany.

1. pertaining to or having pollination occurring in unopened flowers.

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cleistogamous Scientific  

/ klī-stŏg′ə-məs /

1. Of or relating to a flower that does not open and is self-pollinated in the bud. The fertile flowers of the violet are inconspicuous and cleistogamous, while the plant's more familiar showy flowers are usually infertile.

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Other Word Forms

• cleistogamically adverb
• cleistogamously adverb
• cleistogamy noun
• noncleistogamic adjective
• noncleistogamous adjective

Etymology

Origin of cleistogamous

First recorded in 1880–85; cleisto- + -gamous

Example Sentences

Every plant which bears cleistogamous or blind flowers - violets, wood-sorrel, jewelweed, among others - must also display some showy ones.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje

This species produces an abundance of late cleistogamous flowers on erect stems.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje

In other cases precautions are taken to prevent cross-fertilisation, as in the numerous cleistogamous or closed flowers.

From Darwinism (1889) by Wallace, Alfred Russel

Some of the plants with cleistogamous flowers might afford examples of such cases.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

The beech-drop bears cleistogamous or blind flowers in addition to the few showy ones needed to attract insects.

From Wild Flowers Worth Knowing by Blanchan, Neltje