Based on morphology as much as 21 different types of clonal plants have been described. Klimes et al. (1997) used the following plant characteristics for defining these types:

1. The clonal growth organ is either of root, of shoot origin, or is a specialized bud or plantlet formed above ground.

2. Buds for clonal growth above or below ground.

3. The clonal growth organ has a special adaptation for storage.

4. The organ used for storage and clonal growth is different.

5. The clonal growth organ is used for photosynthesis, or for anchorage.

6. A bud bank is present and may be large or small.

7. Clonal descendants are much smaller than the mother and resemble a seedling.

8. Multiplication may be frequent or infrequent (in some years only).

9. Horizontal spread is insignificant (< 0.05m a year).

10. There is a only a perennial primary root or an extensive perennial root system.

11. Secondary thickening present or not.

12. More than one organ of clonal growth.

13. Ramets integrated for more than 2 years.

14. Connections between mother and daughter decay after ramet initiation.

29 August 2011
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