Question

Explain the type of pollination in cleistogamous flowers.

Hint:

Cleistogamous flowers = always self-pollination (autogamy) without external agents.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition of cleistogamous flowers.
Cleistogamous flowers are small, closed, and never open. Since the flowers remain closed, the pollen grains from the anther cannot be transferred to the stigma of another flower.

Step 2: Type of pollination.
In cleistogamous flowers, pollination is always autogamy (self-pollination) because: \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{The anthers and stigma lie close together inside the closed flower.} \\ \bullet & \text{When anthers dehisce, pollen grains directly fall on the stigma of the same flower.} \\ \bullet & \text{No external pollinating agents (wind, water, insects) are required.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Significance.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Ensures seed production even in the absence of pollinators.} \\ \bullet & \text{Maintains genetic uniformity (pure lines).} \\ \bullet & \text{Common examples: Oxalis, Viola, Commelina.} \\ \end{array}\]