A running plant, also known as a stolon or runner, is a fascinating adaptation found in many plant species. These slender stems grow horizontally along the ground, allowing the plant to spread and propagate in a unique way. In essence, running plants are nature’s way of ensuring survival and promoting genetic diversity.
The main characteristic of a running plant is its ability to produce roots and aerial branches at specific points along the stem called nodes. These nodes serve as growth points, allowing the plant to send out new shoots and establish roots at regular intervals. This process enables the plant to expand its territory and create new individuals.
One of the most well-known examples of a running plant is the strawberry (Fragaria spp.). If you have ever grown strawberries, you may have noticed how they produce long, slender runners that extend from the main plant. These runners have nodes along their length, which develop into new plants when they come into contact with the soil. This allows strawberries to quickly cover a large area and produce a bountiful crop.
Another familiar running plant is the creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum). This aromatic herb forms a dense mat of foliage and sends out stolons that root wherever they touch the ground. This growth habit makes creeping thyme an excellent choice for ground cover in gardens, as it quickly fills in empty spaces and suppresses weed growth.
Running plants are not limited to the plant kingdom. Invertebrate animals such as certain types of jellyfish and hydra also exhibit stolon-like structures. These organisms extend horizontal extensions called stolons, which give rise to new individuals through a process called budding. This unique reproductive strategy allows these invertebrates to rapidly increase their population size and colonize new areas.
Running plants have several advantages. Firstly, they allow plants to colonize open spaces and spread into new areas, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction. By extending along the ground, running plants can access additional resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. This ability to expand their reach also helps running plants compete with neighboring vegetation for space and resources.
Furthermore, running plants play a crucial role in ecological succession. In disturbed habitats or areas undergoing natural regeneration, running plants are often among the first to establish themselves. They help stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and create favorable conditions for other plant species to colonize the area.
In my personal experience as a gardener, I have worked with various running plants in landscaping projects. One example is the mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), a popular ground cover that forms dense clumps and spreads through underground rhizomes. I have observed how the runners of mondo grass gradually fill in the gaps between individual plants, creating a beautiful carpet-like effect.
To summarize, running plants, also known as stolons or runners, are slender stems that grow horizontally along the ground. They allow plants to spread, establish new individuals, and increase their chances of survival and reproduction. Running plants are not limited to the plant kingdom and can also be found in certain invertebrate animals. Their ability to colonize open spaces, access additional resources, and facilitate ecological succession makes them valuable in gardening and landscaping.
