serotinous

American  

[suh-raht-in-uhs] / səˈrɑt ɪn əs /

adjective

1. Botany. delaying the release of seeds until triggered by particular environmental conditions, as in the case of certain conifers or their cones, some of which require the heat of a wildfire or forest fire to open.

2. Botany. occurring, developing, or flowering relatively late.

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serotinous Scientific  

/ sĭ-rŏt′n-əs,sĕr′ə-tī′nəs /

1. Late in developing, opening, or blooming. For example, serotinous pine cones may persist unopened on the tree for years and only burst open during a forest fire. Serotinous flowers on trees develop only after the tree has produced leaves.

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Other Word Forms

• non-serotinous adjective
• serotiny noun

Example Sentences

Their serotinous cones, coated in a sticky resin, can’t open and spread their seeds without it.

From Salon

Some pine trees have developed thick cones, known as serotinous cones, that are glued shut with a strong resin.

From New York Times

The giant sequoia cones are serotinous, which means that they don’t open and release seed unless subjected to heat.

From Scientific American

Lodgepole pinecones are serotinous, which means they’re sealed with wax that only open and release seeds with high heat.

From Washington Times

Like some eucalypts, this pine tree, common in California, is “serotinous”, meaning it has adapted to fire.

From The Guardian