Chasmogamous: Chasmogamous flowers are the flowers that have open and exposed anther and stigma. These are large scented colorful flowers and have nectar content in order to attract the pollinators to carry out pollination. These flowers have an open arrangement of floral structures due to which cross pollination can easily occur in these flowers. Some of the chasmogamous flowers include sunflower, Hibiscus, Viola, beans, peas and commelina flowers.

Most of these flowers are bisexual and shows cross pollination. However, self-pollinating chasmogamous flowers are also present. For cross pollination to take place, chasmogamous flowers require abiotic and biotic pollinators. The abiotic pollinators include wind, rain, water stream etc. The biotic pollinators are small insects, wasps, butterflies and bees. The seeds produced by chasmogamous flowers are genetically distinct. Hence, these flowers help in increasing the genetic diversity of the population. It also reduces the effects of recessive alleles.

Features of a Chasmogamous Flower

• The flowers have open petals and reproductive parts.
• Reproductive parts of these flowers are large.
• The flower and the flower buds are unopened.
• The petals are brightly coloured.
• There are nectaries in the flowers to attract pollinators.
• Since these flowers remain closed, forced self-pollination and fertilization occur.

Advantages of Chasmogamy

• Cross-pollination in these flowers promotes sexual recombination and genetic diversity in the seeds produced.
• The genetically distinct seeds help in overcoming inbreeding depression and avoiding deleterious alleles.
• The seeds have increased vigour and fitness.

Disadvantages of Chasmogamy

• The development of attractive flowers requires a lot of energy and resources.
• The production of seeds is totally dependent on pollinators.
• Resources like light, water, and nutrients are required at high rates.

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By Team Learning Mantras