No plant dares depend upon its Cleistogamous or blind flowers alone for offspring; and in the sixty or more genera containing these curious growths, that usually look like buds arrested in development, every plant that bears them bears also showy flowers dependent upon cross-pollination by insect aid.
"Wild Flowers Worth Knowing"
Neltje Blanchan et al
Clumps of these delicate little pinkish blossoms and abundant leaves, cuddled close to the cold earth of northern forests, usually conceal near the dry leaves or moss from which they spring blind flowers that never open-Cleistogamous the botanists call them-flowers that lack petals, as if they were immature buds; that lack odor, nectar, and entrance; yet they are perfectly mature, self-fertilized, and abundantly fruitful.
"Wild Flowers Worth Knowing"
Neltje Blanchan et al
Also pale, pouch-like, Cleistogamous flowers underground.
"Wild Flowers Worth Knowing"
Neltje Blanchan et al