Chasmogamy: A special Reproductive Mechanism in Flowers

Chasmogamy is a reproductive mechanism in plants that helps in the cross-pollination of flowers. The flowers which show chasmogamy are known as chasmogamous flowers. The word chasmogamous has been taken from the Greek dictionary, which means ‘open marriage’. These flowers open at maturation, before fertilisation for easy pollination.

Examples: Viola, Monochoria, Lamium, rose, cotton, eggplant, etc.

Features of a Chasmogamous Flower

• The flowers are showy and have open petals.
• The reproductive parts are large and exposed to aid cross-pollination.
• The petals are brightly coloured.
• There are nectaries in the flowers to attract pollinators.
• The flowers are usually dichogamous, the male and female reproductive parts mature at different times to promote cross-pollination.

Note: Chasmogamous flowers can sometimes show self-pollination.

Advantages of Chasmogamy

• Cross-pollination in chasmogamous flowers promotes sexual recombination and genetic diversity in the seeds produced.
• The genetically distinct seeds help in overcoming inbreeding depression and avoiding deleterious alleles.
• The seeds have increased vigour and fitness.

Disadvantages of Chasmogamy

• The development of attractive flowers requires a lot of energy and resources.
• The production of seeds is totally dependent on pollinators.
• Resources like light, water, and nutrients are required at high rates.

Also Read:

• What Is The Function Of Style In Flower?
• Why Some Plants Do Not Have Flowers?
• Difference Between Self Pollination and Cross-Pollination
• Flowers Adapted to Pollination Experiment Class 12
• How is the process of pollination different from fertilization?

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