What primarily allows the Common Reed to reproduce?

The Common Reed, also known as Phragmites australis, primarily reproduces through rhizomes, which are underground stems that grow horizontally and can produce new shoots at intervals. This method of asexual reproduction enables the plant to spread rapidly and establish large populations in suitable habitats. Rhizomes can survive adverse conditions and allow the Common Reed to recolonize an area after disturbances. While seeds can also contribute to its reproductive strategy, the efficiency and speed of rhizome growth make it the dominant means of reproduction for this species. The other options, such as leaves and flowers, play somewhat supportive roles in the plant's overall lifecycle, but they do not directly contribute to the primary reproductive process in the same effective manner as rhizomes.