Definition

Referring to plant species where individual plants have either male or female reproductive organs, but not both, meaning that male and female flowers are found on separate plants.

Example

The holly plant is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants to produce berries.

Conversation

I learned that some plants are dioecious and need both male and female to reproduce.

Really? I didn't know that!

Yeah, it makes sense since they can’t self-pollinate.

That’s pretty cool — I guess it helps with genetic diversity!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dioecious → It is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "oikos" (meaning house). The word describes plants that have male and female reproductive organs on separate individuals, hence the concept of two houses for reproduction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') and 'houses' ('oikos') to remember that dioecious refers to species with separate male and female individuals.

Visually Confused Words