monivuotisuus

Monivuotisuus refers to the characteristic of a plant living for more than two years. This contrasts with annual plants, which complete their life cycle in a single growing season, and biennial plants, which typically live for two years, often flowering in their second year. Perennial plants have the ability to survive and reproduce over multiple growing seasons, often through specialized structures such as roots, bulbs, rhizomes, or woody stems.

The strategy of perenniality allows plants to invest energy in growth and storage over a longer period, enabling them to survive harsh environmental conditions like winter or drought. Upon the return of favorable conditions, they can resume growth, often flowering and producing seeds. Many trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous plants are perennial. This longevity can lead to larger overall size and biomass accumulation compared to annuals or biennials. The specific adaptations for perenniality vary widely among different plant species, reflecting their diverse evolutionary paths and ecological niches. The term is also sometimes applied to other organisms, like certain animals, to denote a long lifespan, though its primary use is in botany.