Self-Pollination - Types of Pollination

Self-pollination refers to the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of the same flower. In chasmogamous flowers the mature anthers and stigma are exposed to pollinating agents. In cleistogamous flowers fertilization is accomplished without exposing the sex organs (cleistogamy) to the atmosphere. Commelina benghalensis produces both chasmogamous (aerial) and cleistogamous (underground) flowers. Conversion of chasmogamous flowers to cleistogamous type depends on environment conditions, like temperature.