Dialycarpous

/ˌdaɪəlɪˈkɑrpəs/ adjective

Definition

In botany, having carpels (female flower parts) that are separate or not fused together.

Etymology

From Greek 'dialytos' (separated, dissolved) + 'karpos' (fruit/carpel). The prefix 'dia-' means apart or through, suggesting separation or dissolution of the normally joined parts.

Kelly Says

Flowers have evolved wildly different strategies for reproduction—some fuse their female parts together for protection, while dialycarpous flowers keep them separate, and this simple botanical choice affects how insects pollinate them.

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