4 Major Difference Between Monocarpic And Polycarpic Plants

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What Are Monocarpic Plants?

Monocarpic plants are the plants that flower once in their whole life time and after flowering, they produce fruits and die. Typically, most Monocarpic plants are annual plants; however, these plants may live several years before flowering.

Some Monocarpic plants can be kept alive if the flowers are removed as soon as they have finished blooming before seed formation begins or if the flower buds are removed before they begin blooming.

Examples include:

  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Radishes
  • Lettuce
  • Carrot
  • Radish
  • Agave
  • Bromeliads
  • Banana etc
Carrot: Example of Monocarpic Plant

Characteristics Of Monocarpic Plants

  • Monocarpic plants flower only once in their life.
  • These plants die after flowering and fruiting.
  • Monocarpic plants are generally annual or biennial. Very few Monocarpic fruits are perennial.
  • Examples of Monocarpic plants include: Rice, Wheat, Radish, Carrot, Bamboo etc.

What Are Polycarpic Plants?

Plants which are able to produce flowers and fruits several times in successive seasons or years are referred to as Polycarpic plants. True Polycarpic plants survive to produce flowers and seeds many times during their lifetimes and usually remain alive for at least ten years. They save some of their energy and maintain part of the plant for the post-reproductive period. In seasonal climates, some of that energy must be directed to forming structures that allow the plant to survive the unfavorable season- a cold winter or rainless period.

Examples of Polycarpic plants include:

  • Apple
  • Mango
  • Grape wine
  • Chinese Rose
  • Orange etc.
Grape Wine: Example of Polycarpic Plant

Characteristics Of Polycarpic Plants

  • Polycarpic plants flower every year in particular season.
  • These plants do not die after flowering and fruiting.
  • Polycarpic are perennial.
  • Examples of Polycarpic plants include: Apple, Mango, Grape wine, orange etc.

Also Read: Difference Between Evergreen and Deciduous Plants

Difference Between Monocarpic And Polycarpic Plants

BASIS OF COMPARISON MONOCARPIC PLANTS POLYCARPIC PLANTS

 

 

Description Monocarpic plants flower only once in their life.Polycarpic plants flower every year in particular season.
Flowering These plants die after flowering and fruiting.These plants die after flowering and fruiting.
Nature Monocarpic plants are generally annual or biennial. Very few Monocarpic fruits are perennial.Polycarpic are perennial.
Examples  Rice, Wheat, Radish, Carrot, Bamboo etc.Mango, Grape wine, orange etc.

Also Read: Difference Between Angiosperms And Gymnosperms