Dichogamic

/daɪkəˈɡæmɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the separation of male and female reproductive maturity in a flower or plant, preventing self-fertilization.

Etymology

From Greek dicho- (in two) + gamos (marriage/reproduction) + -ic (adjective suffix). The Greek gamos refers to sexual reproduction or mating.

Kelly Says

Dichogamic plants have evolved an elegant solution to prevent inbreeding: they time their male and female phases to not overlap, which is why some flowers mature their pollen before their ovaries are ready, essentially forcing them to mate with other plants.

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