Hermaphrodite Flowers

“Any organism that can produce both male and female reproductive organs is labelled as a hermaphrodite”.

The flowering plants which show hermaphroditism are known as hermaphrodite flowers. They are also known as perfect or bisexual flowers.

Common examples of hermaphroditic flowers are roses, lilies, mangoes, daffodil, petunia, etc.

These plants can undergo self-pollination, and are not dependent on pollinators.

Exceptions

Monoecious

Monoecious plants are hermaphrodites, in the sense that they produce both male and female flowers, but both are not in the same flower. E.g. corn, maize.

Andromonoecy

Andromonoecy is when a plant produces both male and hermaphrodite flowers. It is very rare and is seen in some species of the grass family.

Gynomonoecy

Gynomonoecy is the presence of both female and hermaphrodite flowers on a plant. It is poorly understood and is commonly found in the Asteraceae family.

Trimonoecy

Trimonoecy is a condition where the plant bears male, female and hermaphrodite flowers. It is found in coconut, Apiaceae and Anacardiaceae families.

Evolution

Though self-pollination is very common in plants, many of them evolved to sequential hermaphroditism. Sequential hermaphroditism is when plants transform from a male to a female or a female to a male for fertilisation purposes. E.g. Arisaema, striped male.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rose a hermaphrodite flower?

Yes, the rose is a hermaphrodite flower. It contains both stamens and ovary in the same flower.

Which flowers have both male and female parts?

Hermaphrodite or perfect flowers have both male and female parts.

What type of pollination can a hermaphrodite flower show?

A hermaphrodite flower shows self-pollination.

How will you know if the flower has both female and male parts?

A pistil is usually present in the centre of the flower and stamens are found around the pistil.