Tuulipölytyksessä

Tuulipölytys refers to the process of pollination where pollen is carried by the wind. This method of plant reproduction is common in many plant species, particularly those with simple, inconspicuous flowers. Plants that rely on wind pollination typically produce large quantities of lightweight, dry pollen grains. This abundance is necessary because wind is an inefficient and unpredictable vector for pollen, and many grains will not reach their target stigma.

The flowers of wind-pollinated plants often lack the bright colors, strong scents, or nectar that attract animal pollinators like insects or birds. Instead, their stigmas, the receptive part of the pistil where pollen lands, are often large, feathery, or branched, increasing the surface area to catch airborne pollen. Examples of plants that utilize tuulipölytys include grasses, sedges, rushes, oaks, pines, and birch trees. This type of pollination is a significant factor in the ecology of many ecosystems, contributing to the genetic diversity and survival of these plant species. The efficiency of wind pollination is also influenced by environmental factors such as wind speed and direction, and the spatial distribution of the plants.