Tuulipollinointi

Tuulipollinointi, also known as anemophily, is a mode of pollination whereby pollen is transferred from one flower to another by means of the wind. This is a primitive form of pollination that has evolved in many plant species. Plants that rely on wind pollination typically produce large quantities of small, lightweight pollen grains that are easily carried by air currents. These flowers often lack bright colors, strong scents, or nectar, as they do not need to attract animal pollinators.

Characteristics of wind-pollinated plants include inconspicuous flowers, often with reduced or absent petals and sepals. Their stamens are typically long and pendulous, designed to release pollen freely into the wind, and their stigmas are often large and feathery, increasing the surface area for catching airborne pollen. Examples of plants that utilize tuulipollinointi include grasses, sedges, rushes, oaks, birches, and pines.

The effectiveness of wind pollination is dependent on environmental factors such as wind speed, humidity, and the presence of barriers that might obstruct pollen dispersal. While it requires the production of vast amounts of pollen to ensure successful fertilization, it is an efficient method for plants that have evolved to exploit this natural process. Tuulipollinointi plays a significant role in the reproduction of many plant communities, particularly in grasslands and forests.