Ovule
The ovule is the part of the female cannabis plant that, after fertilisation, develops into a seed. It is located within the female plant's pistil, the reproductive organ where pollination occurs. The ovule contains the female gametes (egg cells) and, when fertilised by pollen from a male plant, will develop into a seed.
What is the role of the ovule in medical cannabis cultivation?
The ovule's main role in cannabis cultivation is reproduction. Here's how it fits into the process:
- Pollination: Male cannabis plants produce pollen that is carried by wind, insects, or through human intervention to the female plants. When pollen reaches the pistil, it fertilises the ovules inside.
- Seed development: Once fertilised, the ovules develop into seeds. These seeds contain the genetic material from both the male and female parent plants, which will determine the characteristics of the next generation of plants.
- Breeding: Cannabis breeders select plants with desirable traits to cross-pollinate, aiming to produce seeds that carry specific qualities, such as high cannabinoid content, disease resistance, growth pattern, or specific terpene profiles.
The cannabis ovule is the key component in seed production, though most cannabis intended for medicinal purposes is grown without fertilising the ovule to ensure a more potent and totally seedless crop
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.