viviparous

In animals, a method of reproduction in which the embryo develops inside the body of the female from which it gains nourishment (in contrast to oviparous and ovoviviparous). Vivipary is best developed in placental mammals, but also occurs in some arthropods, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles that have placentalike structures. In plants, it is the formation of young plantlets or bulbils instead of flowers. The term also describes seeds that germinate prematurely, before falling from the parent plant.

Premature germination is common in mangrove trees, where the seedlings develop sizable spearlike roots before dropping into the swamp below; this prevents their being washed away by the tide.