geitonogámia

Geitonogamy is a form of plant reproduction that involves the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same plant. While genetically similar to self-pollination because the pollen originates from the same individual, it is considered cross-pollination from a functional standpoint because it involves two distinct flowers. This process is typically mediated by external agents such as wind, insects, or other animals, just like xenogamy (cross-pollination between different plants).

The genetic makeup of the offspring resulting from geitonogamy is identical to that of the parent plant, assuming no mutations occur. This is because all the pollen comes from the same genetic source. However, it still offers some advantages over purely self-pollinating flowers, such as increased chances of pollination success due to the larger number of flowers and potentially greater genetic mixing within the gametes of a single plant.

Many plants that exhibit geitonogamy are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs within their flowers. Some plants have evolved mechanisms to promote geitonogamy, such as having their flowers arranged in inflorescences where pollen can easily be transferred between them. While geitonogamy ensures fertilization, it does not introduce new genetic material into the population, which can limit adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In contrast, xenogamy brings genetic diversity from different individuals.