What is a stolon?

A stolon is specifically defined as a shoot that bends to the ground and produces roots at the nodes. This growth habit allows plants to spread horizontally across the surface, enabling them to form new plants as the nodes develop into roots and shoots. This method of vegetative reproduction is beneficial for plants in establishing a broader area of coverage, shade, or access to water and nutrients.

In contrast, the other definitions point to different plant structures. A vertical stem characterizes an upright growth form, which doesn't convey the spreading nature associated with stolons. A creeping, underground stem would typically be referred to as a rhizome, not a stolon, emphasizing the distinction between above-ground and below-ground plant propagation methods. Lastly, a type of leaf arrangement is unrelated to the concept of a stolon, as it refers to the configuration of leaves on a stem rather than the growth form of the stem itself. Understanding these differences underscores the unique role that stolons play in plant growth and reproduction.