cleistogamous
/klaɪˈstɑɡəməs/
adjective
- Describing a plant that produces flowers which self-pollinate without opening, often as a backup method of reproduction.
- Gardeners sometimes notice cleistogamous blooms on their plants late in the season.
- The cleistogamous flowers of the pansy remain closed and fertilize themselves.
- Many species of peas are cleistogamous, ensuring seed production even if insects are scarce.