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plunger pollination

plant reproduction
Also known as: secondary pollination

Quick Summary

Plunger pollination, also known as secondary pollination, is a unique method of plant reproduction found in angiosperms, particularly within the Asteraceae family. In this system, the stamens form a tube around the immature style, with their pollen-producing surfaces facing inward. As the style elongates, it pushes the pollen out on specialized hairs beneath the stigma. This mechanism facilitates outcrossing by presenting pollen to pollinators while the stigma is still unreceptive. Once the stigma becomes receptive, it waits for external pollen before curling down to self-pollinate, ensuring seed production. This process is commonly aided by insects.1

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