What is a stolon?

A stolon is specifically defined as a trailing runner or shoot that has the ability to develop into new plants. This form of vegetative reproduction allows certain types of plants to spread and colonize new areas efficiently. In aquatic environments, many species utilize stolons as a means of adaptation, allowing them to thrive by establishing new growth in suitable conditions away from the parent plant. This mechanism is beneficial for maintaining population stability and facilitating the rapid expansion of aquatic vegetation, which can be crucial for ecosystem functions such as providing habitat and stabilizing soil in aquatic systems.

Understanding the role of stolons in plant propagation helps in managing aquatic ecosystems, as they are often involved in the control of invasive species or the preservation of beneficial native plants.