cleistogamous

[ klahy-stog-uh-muhs ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. pertaining to or having pollination occurring in unopened flowers.

cleistogamous

/ klī-stŏg′ə-məs /

1. Of or relating to a flower that does not open and is self-pollinated in the bud. The fertile flowers of the violet are inconspicuous and cleistogamous, while the plant's more familiar showy flowers are usually infertile.

Other Words From

• cleis·toga·mous·ly cleisto·gami·cal·ly adverb
• cleis·toga·my noun
• noncleis·to·gamic adjective
• noncleis·toga·mous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleistogamous¹

First recorded in 1880–85; cleisto- + -gamous

Example Sentences

Such plants are technically called Cleistogamous, and are all self-fertilizing.

From Project Gutenberg

The cleistogamous, and not the brilliant flowers: the victory is with ugliness, and not with beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

Cleistogamous Flowers, that is, in those which are fertilized in the flower-bud, while still unopened.

From Project Gutenberg

In other cases precautions are taken to prevent cross-fertilisation, as in the numerous cleistogamous or closed flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

The other species are all propagated by their cleistogamous flowers.

From Project Gutenberg