Awn-bearing

Describing plants, particularly grasses and grains, that possess awns. Awns are bristle-like appendages extending from the lemma (a bract enclosing the flower) or the glume (a bract at the base of a spikelet) of the inflorescence. They are often long, slender, and pointed, aiding in seed dispersal by various methods, such as attaching to animal fur or being propelled by wind. The presence and characteristics of awns are crucial taxonomic features distinguishing various grass species and can significantly influence agricultural practices due to their impact on harvesting and animal palatability. Their structure also impacts seed dispersal

Awn-bearing meaning with examples

• The field rippled in the breeze, a sea of golden awn-bearing wheat ready for harvest. Each stalk was crowned with delicate, barbed awns, designed to catch the wind and carry the seeds far away from the parent plant, ensuring its survival and proliferation. Farmers monitored the development of these structures to assess the optimal harvest time for their crops. This awn-bearing variety was chosen for this area.
• She carefully examined the awn-bearing barley in the botanical garden, noticing the different lengths and angles of the awns. The various awns allowed different methods of dispersal. The variations provided insight into the evolutionary adaptations of the plant to its specific environment. This allowed them to examine the relationship with other plants and animals in that environment.
• Researchers studied the genetic basis of awn development in awn-bearing grasses, hoping to improve crop yields and disease resistance. Modifications made to the awns in a particular plant or crop would allow the plant to withstand difficult situations. Their goal was to create more resilient and productive varieties. The presence of awns was key to their analysis.
• The dense undergrowth consisted of various grasses, many of them distinctly awn-bearing, their sharp awns catching on clothing and making passage difficult. The farmer considered the awns to be an unwelcome distraction in the crop. The specific placement of the awns and how they were held in place could reveal interesting and useful details about the particular plant.