Wind pollination

/wɪnd ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃən/ noun

Definition

A method of pollination where pollen is carried from male to female flower parts by air currents. Plants using this strategy typically produce large amounts of lightweight pollen and have inconspicuous flowers without petals or nectar.

Etymology

Compound term combining 'wind' from Old English and 'pollination' from Latin. Also called anemophily, from Greek 'anemos' (wind) and 'philos' (loving), describing plants adapted for wind-dispersed pollen transfer.

Kelly Says

Wind-pollinated plants are the ultimate minimalists - they've ditched all the flashy petals and sweet nectar because they don't need to attract anyone, instead producing massive clouds of pollen and hoping the wind will do their matchmaking for them!

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