Itsepölyttävä

Itsepölyttävä is a Finnish term that translates to "self-pollinating" in English. It refers to a plant that is capable of pollinating itself. This means that the pollen from the anthers of a flower can fertilize the ovules of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.

Self-pollination is a common reproductive strategy in many plant species. It can occur through various mechanisms. In some cases, the flower structure itself facilitates self-pollination, with the anthers positioned close to the stigma, allowing pollen to easily transfer. Other plants have mechanisms that ensure pollen is released at the same time the stigma is receptive. Wind and water can also play a role in carrying pollen within the same plant.

Plants that are itsepölyttävä do not necessarily require another plant of the same species to produce offspring. This can be advantageous in situations where suitable pollinators are scarce or when a plant is isolated. However, self-pollination can sometimes lead to reduced genetic diversity compared to cross-pollination, where pollen from a different plant is involved. This can make populations less adaptable to changing environmental conditions. Many plants are capable of both self-pollination and cross-pollination, offering flexibility in their reproductive strategies.