1. of or relating to a flower that self-pollinates without opening its petals
Usage: botany; also spelled cleistogamous

Examples

• Cleistogamic flowers ensure reproduction even in unfavorable conditions for pollinator activity.
• The violet produces both cleistogamic and open flowers depending on environmental factors.
• Cleistogamic reproduction allows some plants to set seed without relying on insects or wind.
• Scientists study cleistogamic species to understand plant adaptation strategies.
• Many legumes exhibit cleistogamic flowering patterns in their reproductive cycle.