Gemmulation

/ˌdʒɛmjəˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

In botany, the process of producing or reproducing by means of gemmae (small buds or asexual reproductive units).

Etymology

From gemma plus the suffix -ation (process or result). This technical botanical term describes a specific mode of asexual reproduction.

Kelly Says

Gemmulation allows plants to reproduce without sex—essentially cloning themselves through tiny buds, which is why some ancient plant species have survived unchanged for millions of years! This strategy is so reliable that many mosses have perfected it to the point where they almost never bother with sexual reproduction anymore.

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