Amphicarpic Plants: Understanding the Dual Reproductive System

Amphicarpic refers to a plant that produces both carpels (the female reproductive organs of a flower) and stamens (the male reproductive organs). In other words, the plant has both pistils (the female reproductive organ of a flower) and stamens. This is in contrast to plants that have only one or the other.

For example, many flowers that are commonly referred to as "complete" or "perfect" flowers, such as roses and lilies, have both carpels and stamens and are therefore amphicarpic. Other examples of amphicarpic plants include sunflowers and daisies.

The term "amphicarpic" is derived from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "both" and "carpos" meaning "fruit". It is used in botanical terminology to describe plants that have both male and female reproductive organs.