What function does a stolon serve in plant growth?

A stolon serves as a creeping, above-ground stem that roots at nodes, which facilitates the vegetative propagation of a plant. This growth form allows the plant to expand its coverage area as the stolons grow horizontally, producing new plants at the nodes where they come into contact with the soil. By rooting at these nodes, the plant can establish new growth points that are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring successful reproduction and the ability to take advantage of available space and resources.

Stolons play an essential role in turfgrass management, particularly for species that thrive in spreading growth patterns, as they can help to quickly cover bare patches and enhance the overall resilience of the turf. This growth habit also assists the plant in recovering from disturbances, such as mowing or environmental stresses, by providing multiple growth points that can continue to thrive even if some portions of the plant are damaged or removed.