Catkin
Catkin
Catkin (/ˈkætkɪn/), also known as ament, is a slim, cylindrical flower cluster, with inconspicuous or no petals, usually wind-pollinated (anemophilous) but sometimes insect-pollinated. They are found in many plant families, including Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Moraceae, and Salicaceae.
Etymology
The term catkin is derived from the Dutch word katteken, meaning "kitten", on account of the resemblance to a kitten's tail.
Description
Catkins are composed of a spike, usually pendulous, containing many unisexual flowers arranged closely along a central stem which is often drooping. They are a common feature of many trees such as willow, birch, oak, and hazel.
Pollination
Catkins are typically wind-pollinated, producing large amounts of pollen to be carried on the wind to fertilize female flowers. Some catkins, such as those of the poplar and willow, contain both male and female flowers and are insect-pollinated.
Related Terms
- Anemophily: The process of wind pollination.
- Spike: An unbranched, indeterminate type of inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an elongated axis.
- Inflorescence: The complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Catkin
- Wikipedia's article - Catkin
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