Monandrous

Monandrous refers to a type of plant species where each individual plant produces only one flower during its lifetime. This phenomenon is a reproductive strategy, and the single flower is typically large and conspicuous to attract pollinators. After flowering and subsequent seed production, the plant dies. This life cycle, known as monocarpic, is characteristic of monandrous plants.

Examples of monandrous plants are found across various families. Agaves, commonly known as century plants, are classic examples. While their name suggests a century-long life cycle, they often bloom much sooner, typically after several years, depending on environmental conditions. Another well-known example is the Puya raimondii, a species of bromeliad native to the Andes, which can take decades to produce its single, massive flower stalk before perishing. Certain bamboos also exhibit monandrous behavior, flowering gregariously across vast regions at long intervals.

The monandrous reproductive strategy is thought to be an adaptation to specific environmental pressures. By investing all resources into a single, grand reproductive event, the plant maximizes its chances of successful pollination and seed dispersal, especially in environments where flowering opportunities are infrequent or uncertain. This strategy ensures that even if conditions are unfavorable for many years, the plant can still reproduce when the time is right. The death of the parent plant after flowering also prevents competition between generations for resources.