Einærum

Einærum is a term used in botany to describe plants that complete their entire life cycle in a single growing season. This means they germinate from seed, grow, flower, produce seed, and then die within approximately one year or less. This life cycle is in contrast to biennials, which take two years, and perennials, which live for multiple years.

The strategy of being an annual allows plants to exploit favorable conditions quickly. They invest their energy into rapid growth and reproduction, producing a large number of seeds to ensure the continuation of the species. Many common garden plants and agricultural crops are annuals, such as sunflowers, marigolds, corn, and beans. Their short life cycle often makes them adaptable to changing environmental conditions, as their offspring can quickly evolve to suit new circumstances.

Annuals typically require a period of favorable temperature and moisture to germinate. Once established, they focus on vegetative growth, followed by the development of reproductive structures like flowers and fruits. The seeds produced often have adaptations for dispersal, allowing them to colonize new areas. The survival of many annual species relies on the viability of their seeds through less favorable periods, such as winter or drought.