Monoecious

Definition

Having separate male and female reproductive structures (cones, flowers, or inflorescences) borne on the same individual plant; a monomorphic sexual system in seed plants.

Etymology

Greek monos (single, one) + oikos (house)

Example

Corn (Zea mays) is monoecious, with pollen-producing tassels at the stem apex and seed-bearing ears along the stalk; this spatial separation of sexes favors outcrossing by wind but still allows self-pollination, influencing pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.) foraging patterns and damage distribution.

Synonyms

• monoecy

Related Terms

• dioecious
• hermaphroditic
• andromonoecy
• gynomonoecy
• trimonoecy
• dichogamy
• plant sexual system

Usage Notes

Strictly a botanical term; do not apply to animals (use 'hermaphroditic' or 'simultaneous hermaphroditism' for invertebrates with both sexes in one individual). Contrasts with dioecious (separate sexes on different plants) and with hermaphroditic flowers (both sexes in the same flower). In entomological contexts, monoecious plants present particular foraging challenges for pollinators and herbivores because male and female tissues differ in nutrient content, defense chemistry, and phenology.