PISTILLIFEROUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pistilliferous is an adjective that pertains to plants and refers to the presence or bearing of pistils, the female reproductive organs of flowering plants. The term derives from the combination of the words "pistil," which is the structure responsible for receiving pollen and developing seeds, and "ferous," meaning "bearing" or "producing."
In botany, the pistil is composed of three parts: the stigma, style, and ovary. The stigma receives the pollen, which is then transferred through the style to the ovary where fertilization takes place. Thus, a plant that is described as pistilliferous signifies that it has fully functioning and developed pistils, enabling it to produce seeds through sexual reproduction.
The term can be used to describe individual flowers or entire plants that have the capability to bear pistils. It is often employed by botanists, horticulturists, and gardeners to identify or categorize plants based on their reproductive characteristics. For instance, in a botanical study, the researcher may note the number, arrangement, or condition of pistilliferous flowers within a particular species.
Pistilliferous plants play a crucial role in the reproduction and survival of many plant species, as they are responsible for seed production. They have a significant influence on the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for various animals and insects. Understanding the concept of pistilliferous is key to comprehending the reproductive biology and classification of flowering plants.
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Having a pistil without stamens, as a female flower; same as pistillate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PISTILLIFEROUS
- oistilliferous
- listilliferous
- -istilliferous
- 0istilliferous
- pustilliferous
- pjstilliferous
- pkstilliferous
- postilliferous
- p9stilliferous
- p8stilliferous
- piatilliferous
- piztilliferous
- pixtilliferous
- pidtilliferous
- pietilliferous
- piwtilliferous
- pisrilliferous
- pisfilliferous
- pisgilliferous
- pisyilliferous
Etymology of PISTILLIFEROUS
The word "pistilliferous" originates from two Latin words: "pistillum" meaning "pestle" or "female organ of a flower" and "ferus" meaning "to bear" or "to carry". When combined, they create "pistillifer" meaning "having pistils" or "bearing pistils". The English suffix "-ous" is added to indicate the adjective form, resulting in "pistilliferous", which refers to plants or flowers that possess pistils.
