Seedling Dynamics and Life Histories in Clonal Plants

Recruitment from seedlings is generally considered to be infrequent in many clonal plants. This study examines the extent to which new genets are so recruited within established populations of adult genets in species with different growth form and dispersal characteristics, and living in different habitats. In 40% of the 68 species for which information was compiled, evidence for seedling recruitment in established populations was reported. Seedling establishment within populations of adult genets was more common in species inhabiting grasslands than among woodland species, in species growing clonally above ground than in species growing clonally below ground, and it was more common in species lacking features that promote long distance seed dispersal than among species that possess such features. No differences was found in the pattern of seedling recruitment between plants possessing guerilla vs phalanx growth forms. On the basis of a hypothesized spectrum of variation in the extent clonal plants recruit by seedlings in established populations, predictions are made concerning clonal life histories, and structure and dynamics of genet populations.