monocarpic

Monocarpic, from Greek mono- “one” and karpos “fruit,” describes plants that flower, set seed, and die after a single reproductive episode. The term contrasts with polycarpic (or iteroparous) plants, which can flower multiple times during their lifetimes.

In most monocarpic life histories the reproductive event is terminal for the individual. The plant may remain vegetative for years, accumulating resources until flowering. After seed production, the above-ground parts typically die; some species nevertheless persist via basal shoots or offsets that can give rise to new individuals.

Examples include many annual crops such as wheat, rice, and beans, which complete their life cycle in a single season. Some perennials are also monocarpic, notably agaves (century plants), certain bromeliads, and some bamboo species, which delay flowering for many years and then produce a massive inflorescence before dying.

Ecologically, monocarpic strategies emphasize a large, timed reproductive effort and seed production to maximize dispersal. They may occur in mast years. In cultivation, monocarpic perennials can provide striking blooms, but growers should plan for the eventual death of the flowering adult and often rely on offspring or clonal offsets to maintain the display.