Apomixis is the phenomenon in which reproduction does not involve the union of male and female gamete. Whereas the fertilization involving the union of male and female gametes in flowering plants is called amphimixis. Winkler in 1908 introduced the term apomixis. This is the substitution of usual sexual reproduction and this does not involve meiosis and syngamy.
Apomixis was classified into two types as Recurrent and Non-recurrent by Maheswari in 1950.
Recurrent apomixis: This induces vegetative reproduction and agamospermy. Vegetative reproduction is the propagation of plants by any part other than seeds.
Eg: Bulbs – Allium
Bulbils – Fritilaria imparialis
Runner – Mentha arvensis
Sucker – Chrysanthemum
Agamospermy refers to the processes by which embryos are formed by eliminating meiosis and syngamy.
Non-recurrent apomixis: Haploid embryo sac developed after meiosis, develops into an embryo without fertilization.
