Pin
/pɪn/
Definition
Pin refers to a pollen grain that carries the genetic traits for the pin flower form in heterostylous plants, such as primroses. In this form, the flower has a long style, so the stigma sits near the flower opening while the stamens are lower inside. The term is used in breeding and pollination discussions to distinguish it from thrum, the complementary flower form with opposite positions of stigma and stamens.
Use in Gardening
- Training support: A pin can hold stems, labels, netting, or lightweight protective materials in place while plants establish, especially in propagation trays, pots, or greenhouse benches.
- Propagation tasks: During grafting or similar close-contact joining, a pin may help keep plant parts aligned until the union stabilizes, reducing movement that can interfere with healing.
- Temporary fastening: Because a pin is small and easily removed, it suits short-term positioning of ties or covers, but it should not be driven into living stem tissue where it can cause injury.
- Careful material choice: Rust-resistant and clean pins are preferred around plants, since dirty or corroding metal can damage nearby materials and create unnecessary sanitation problems in humid growing areas.
Related Terms
Stigma
Stigma is the pollen-receptive tip or surface of a flower’s pistil, the female reproductive structure. It is usually…
Style
Style refers to the slender stalk-like part of a flower’s pistil, the female reproductive structure, that connects the…
Pollen
Pollen is a fine, powdery substance made in the anthers of seed plants. It consists of tiny grains that carry the male…
Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower, the anther, to the female part, the stigma, of…
Flower
Flower is the reproductive structure of a flowering plant, usually containing stamens, which produce pollen, and one or…
Filament
Filament refers to the slender stalk of a stamen, the male reproductive part of a flower. It supports the anther, which…
Theca
Theca refers to one of the two pollen sacs in a typical anther, the pollen-bearing part of a flower’s stamen. Each…