What is the Difference Between Chasmogamous and Cleistogamous?

Chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers are two types of reproductive structures in plants that differ in their position of reproductive organs and methods of pollination. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Anther and stigma position: Chasmogamous flowers have exposed anthers and stigmas, while cleistogamous flowers remain closed, with the anthers and stigmas lying close to each other.
2. Pollination: Chasmogamous flowers are usually cross-pollinated, as they have exposed reproductive organs that facilitate pollination by external agents such as insects or wind. Cleistogamous flowers, on the other hand, carry out self-pollination, as their reproductive organs are enclosed and not easily accessible to external pollinators.
3. Floral attractiveness: To promote cross-pollination, chasmogamous flowers often have strikingly colored petals and nectar guides to attract and reward pollinators. Cleistogamous flowers, however, do not need pollinators or attractive floral parts or nectaries to reward them, as they rely on self-pollination.
4. Seed production: In chasmogamous flowers, the seeds produced are genetically distinct due to cross-pollination. In the absence of pollinators, cleistogamous flowers develop assured seed-set through self-pollination.
5. Floral structure: Morphologically, cleistogamous flowers differ from chasmogamous ones in having smaller floral organs, particularly anthers, stigmas, and lodicules.

Comparative Table: Chasmogamous vs Cleistogamous

Chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers are two types of reproductive structures in plants. They differ in their opening, pollination, and fertilization processes. Here is a table highlighting the differences between chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers:

Examples of plants with chasmogamous flowers include peanuts, peas, and pansies. These flowers are small and difficult to distinguish as flowers.