Anemophily

Pine releasing pollen into the wind in Tuntorp 1

Anemophily or wind pollination is a form of pollination whereby pollen is distributed by wind. This method of pollination is predominantly utilized by plant species that have certain adaptations to facilitate this process. Anemophily is seen in a number of plant families, including many grasses, the true grains (cereals), and some trees such as the birch and oak.

Characteristics of Anemophilous Plants

Anemophilous plants exhibit several distinctive characteristics that enhance the efficiency of wind pollination. These include:

• Flowers: They often lack the bright colors, strong scents, and nectar that are typical of insect-pollinated (entomophilous) flowers. This is because these features are unnecessary for attracting animal pollinators.
• Stamens and Stigmas: These plants usually have long and protruding stamens and stigmas that are well-exposed to the wind for easier pollen transfer.
• Pollen: The pollen grains are typically small, light, and produced in large quantities to increase the chances of some reaching another flower.
• Separation of Sexes: Many anemophilous species are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants, which reduces the likelihood of self-pollination.

Adaptations to Wind Pollination

The adaptations for wind pollination include:

• High Pollen Production: Due to the inefficiency of wind pollination (only a small fraction of pollen grains will land on a suitable stigma), anemophilous plants produce a large amount of pollen.
• Reduced Flower Parts: The petals and other flower parts are often reduced or absent in wind-pollinated plants, which decreases the weight and drag on the flowers and inflorescences, making them more easily moved by the wind.
• Positioning of Flowers: Flowers are often positioned above the leaves on long, flexible stalks to catch the wind better.

Ecological and Evolutionary Significance

Anemophily is an important pollination strategy that allows for the successful reproduction of many plant species. It is particularly significant in large, open areas such as grasslands and agricultural fields where wind can travel unimpeded. This method of pollination is also thought to be one of the more ancient mechanisms, predating the evolution of more specialized forms of pollination involving animals.

Examples of Anemophilous Plants

Some well-known examples of anemophilous plants include:

• Grasses (Poaceae family)
• Wheat (Triticum spp.)
• Corn (Zea mays)
• Rice (Oryza sativa)
• Oak (Quercus spp.)
• Birch (Betula spp.)

Impact on Human Health

While anemophily is a natural and essential process for the reproduction of many plants, it can have adverse effects on human health. The high production of pollen can contribute to allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals, particularly during certain times of the year when pollen counts are high.