dichogamous

American  

[dahy-kog-uh-muhs] / daɪˈkɒg ə məs /

Also dichogamic

adjective

Botany.

1. having the stamens and pistils maturing at different times, thereby preventing self-pollination, as a monoclinous flower (homogamous ).

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dichogamous Scientific  

/ dī-kŏg′ə-məs /

1. Having pistils and stamens that mature at different times, thus promoting cross-pollination rather than self-pollination.

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Other Word Forms

• nondichogamic adjective
• nondichogamous adjective

Etymology

Origin of dichogamous

First recorded in 1855–60; dicho- + -gamous

Example Sentences

SPRENGEL, C.K., on dichogamous plants. -on the hollyhock. -on the functions of flowers.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2 by Darwin, Charles

It might well happen that our supposed species did not vary in function in the right manner, so as to become either dichogamous or completely self-sterile, or in structure so as to ensure cross-fertilisation.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

In the 6th edition, page 79, Darwin adds, "but if most of the Australian trees are dichogamous, the same result would follow as if they bore flowers with separated sexes."

From More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1 by Darwin, Francis, Sir

Many hermaphrodite plants are, as first shewn by C. K. Sprengel, dichogamous; that is, their male and female organs are not ready at the same time, so that they cannot be self-fertilised.

From The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Vol. I by Darwin, Charles

On the other hand, with dichogamous plants, early or late flowers on the same individual may intercross; and a cross of this kind does hardly any or no good.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles