Lävistyssikiöt

Lävistyssikiöt, a term originating from Finnish, refers to a phenomenon observed in certain plant species where ovules, the structures that develop into seeds after fertilization, exhibit a piercing or perforating characteristic. This means the ovule's integument, or outer layer, develops in a way that creates a hole or a passage through it. This anatomical feature is not necessarily indicative of a problem but rather a specific developmental morphology.

The presence of a lävistyssikiö can influence the process of fertilization. The pollen tube, which carries the male gametes, typically enters the ovule through a small opening called the micropyle. In cases of lävistyssikiö, the perforation might offer an alternative or additional route for the pollen tube, potentially affecting the efficiency or timing of fertilization. The exact evolutionary advantage or significance of this trait varies among species and is a subject of botanical research.

This phenomenon is observed in various plant families and genera, and its identification is usually made through microscopic examination of the ovule's structure. Understanding the morphology of lävistyssikiöt contributes to the broader study of plant reproductive biology, seed development, and evolutionary adaptations in flowering plants.