The plant starts life as a seed, which germinates and grows into a plant.
The mature plant produces flowers, which are fertilised and produce seeds in a fruit or seedpod.
The plant eventually dies, leaving seeds which germinate to produce new plants.
Annuals take one year to complete their life cycle.
Biennials take two years to complete their life cycle, germinating and growing roots and leaves in their first year, flowering, setting seed and dying in their second year.
Perennials live for several years after germination.
Monocarpic plants produce seeds only once, but may take several years to grow to maturity. The Talipot Palm may live for 60 years or more before it produces flowers and seeds, and it then dies.
