Functional strategies in clonal plants

Morphological types must not necessarily differ in their functional significance. Clonal plants are characterized by growth strategies with different functional significance. Following Stearns (1976) a "strategy" is defined as a set of co-adapted traits designed to solve particular ecological problems.

The key factors determining a clonal growth strategy are:

  • Growth form or clonal morphology ("phalanx" vs. "guerrilla" type)
  • The extent of structural and physiological integration.
  • The possibility to respond to environmental cues by changes in morphology and physiology ("phenotypic plasticity").
photoperiodism
1 - Clonal structures of the rootstock of Festuca orthophylla. Picture taken after burning.
Festuca orthophylla
3 - A young tussock representing the phalanx type of clonal growth (Festuca orthophylla).
3 - A young tussock representing the phalanx type of clonal growth (Festuca orthophylla).
Oxalis sp.
4 - Oxalis sp. forming runners (guerilla type).
4 - Oxalis sp. forming runners (guerilla type).