Spatial pattern and clone structure of the perennial herb, Aralia nudicaulis L (Araliaceae)
Edwards J. 1984. Spatial pattern and clone structure of the perennial herb, Aralia nudicaulis L (Araliaceae). Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club. 111(1):28-33
The spatial pattern of Aralia nudicaulis was determined by mapping all shoots in a 200 square meter area. Morisita's index of dispersion indicates that A. nudicaulis shoots are clearly aggregated in patches of approximately .25 square meter. However, partial excavation of clones showed that the above ground spatial pattern does not correspond to the underlying clone structure; shoots within a patch are usually from different rhizome systems. Furthermore, the ramets which are connected are highly dispersed, occupying many different patches. This growth pattern may be an adaptive response to patchy and unpredictable microhabitats and patterns of herbivory.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Edwards, Joan
- Units
- ISRO
- Keywords
- Aralia nudicaulis (Araliaceae), clone structure, perennial herb, Plant, Reproduction, spatial pattern