Apomixis in flowering plants is defined as the asexual formation of a seed from the maternal tissues of the ovule, avoiding the processes of meiosis and fertilization, leading to embryo development. Since the seed formation occurs without the fusion of gametes, apomixis can be classified as an asexual mode of reproduction. The plants that grow from these seeds are identical to the mother plant. This is of great use for seed production and plant breeding.
Many plant species produce apomictic seeds, including dandelions and blackberries.