Pollination

Pollination is the conveying of the pollen from the anthers to the tercine in Gymnosperms or the stigma in Angiosperms, where it is detained by viscidity. Pollination may be effected by wind, as in the anemophilous (q.v.) flowers of Conifers, hazels, etc.; by insects, as in more showy, coloured, variegated, odorous, or honey-secreting entomophilous flowers; or, more rarely, by birds, slugs, beetles, or running water. It may precede fertilisation (q.v.) by a few hours, or, as in conifers, by months. [Fertilisation.]