CBSE · Class 12 · Biology · Sexual Reproduction in Flowering PlantsDefine cleistogamous flowers with an example.

Cleistogamous flowers are closed flowers that never open at all throughout their lifespan. Because the floral buds remain tightly closed, cross-pollination is completely precluded, and only strict self-pollination occurs as anthers dehisce inside the closed flower to shed pollen directly onto the stigma. This ensures guaranteed seed set even in the absence of pollinators. A very well-known example of a plant exhibiting cleistogamy is Commelina benghalensis, Viola (common pansy), or Oxalis, which produce both types of flowers.