Pleurogynous is a botanical term used to describe plants that have ovules located on the inner surface of the ovary walls. This unique positioning is exemplified in the orchid family. The spelling of pleurogynous is reflective of its Greek origins. The prefix pleur- means "side" while gyn- means "woman" or "female." The word is pronounced /plʊərɒdʒɪnəs/ and is composed of three syllables with the stress falling on the second syllable.
Pleurogynous is an adjective used in botany to describe a specific type of flower arrangement on a plant. It refers to flowers that are attached laterally to the stem, appearing to emerge from the side of the plant rather than from its apex or top. The term "pleurogynous" is derived from Greek roots, with "pleur-" meaning "side" and "gynous" indicating "female or pistil."
In a pleurogynous arrangement, each individual flower is positioned laterally along the stem, with the pistils facing outward. This is in contrast to other flower arrangements where the flowers may be terminal (clustered at the top of the stem) or axillary (attached in the leaf axils). Pleurogyny can be observed in various plant families, such as the Asteraceae (daisy family), Fabaceae (pea family), or Rosaceae (rose family), among others.
This floral arrangement plays an important role in plant reproductive strategies, as it facilitates optimal pollen transfer and cross-pollination. The lateral positioning of the flowers allows for easier access by pollinators, such as insects or birds, increasing the chances of successful pollen transfer between different plants. The pleurogynous arrangement can also enhance genetic diversity within a population, leading to better adaptation and survival in changing environments.
Overall, the term "pleurogynous" accurately describes the unique flower arrangement observed in certain plant species, highlighting their reproductive strategies and ecological significance.
In bot., having a glandular or tubercular elevation rising close to, and parallel with, the ovary.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pleurogynous" is derived from two Greek roots: "pleuron" meaning "side", and "gynous" meaning "female" or "woman". The term is commonly used in biology to describe plants with female reproductive organs (gynoecium) located along the sides of the ovary.