Perennating Buds Research Articles

Identification of a key signaling network regulating perennating bud dormancy in Panax ginseng

BackgroundThe cycle of seasonal dormancy of perennating buds is an essential adaptation of perennial plants to unfavorable winter conditions. Plant hormones are key regulators of this critical biological process, which is intricately connected with diverse internal and external factors. Recently, global warming has increased the frequency of aberrant temperature events that negatively affect the dormancy cycle of perennials. Although many studies have been conducted on the perennating organs of Panax ginseng, the molecular aspects of bud dormancy in this species remain largely unknown. MethodsIn this study, the molecular physiological responses of three P. ginseng cultivars with different dormancy break phenotypes in the spring were dissected using comparative genome-wide RNA-seq and network analyses. These analyses identified a key role for abscisic acid (ABA) activity in the regulation of bud dormancy. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that a transcriptional network comprising stress-related hormone responses made a major contribution to the maintenance of dormancy. ResultsIncreased expression levels of cold response and photosynthesis-related genes were associated with the transition from dormancy to active growth in perennating buds. Finally, the expression patterns of genes encoding ABA transporters, receptors (PYRs/PYLs), PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2Cs (PP2Cs), and DELLAs were highly correlated with different dormancy states in three P. ginseng cultivars. ConclusionThis study provides evidence that ABA and stress signaling outputs are intricately connected with a key signaling network to regulate bud dormancy under seasonal conditions in the perennial plant P. ginseng.

Contrasting seasonal dynamics of dormancy, respiratory metabolism and cell cycle state in grapevine buds of a subtropical and Mediterranean climate

AbstractGrapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is the most widely cultivated fruit crop worldwide, contributing substantially to rural economies. The production cycle and productivity depend on seasonal cues and can range from a strongly deciduous habit in cool‐temperate climates to evergreen in subtropical and tropical climates. The influence of the different seasonal conditions on the dynamics of the perennating bud, including the degree of growth and metabolic quiescence, cell cycle status and internal tissue oxygen status between different climatic zones is largely unknown. This knowledge is important for adapting to changing climate conditions and for crop expansion to wider regions. This study investigated the growth and metabolic physiology of the perennating bud of commercially grown cv. Flame Seedless table grapes from Mediterranean and subtropical climate in Western Australia, from summer until late winter. Climate data were obtained, showing differences in minimum (night) temperature between the two climates, reflected by differences in calculated chilling units. Bud dormancy increased during autumn of both climates;however, the onset and depth of dormancy of buds from the subtropical region were attenuated relative to the Mediterranean condition. Stark contrasts were also observed in metabolism. The respiration of subtropical‐grown buds increased over fivefold during late autumn and winter, while that of Mediterranean‐grown buds increased less than twofold. This was also reflected in less desiccation of the subtropical‐grown buds, and an apparently greater degree of hypoxia within the bud during late winter, prior to bud burst. Collectively, these data show pronounced differences in growth and metabolic physiology of commercially grown table grapes, which provide a foundation for investigating the influence of differing climate and seasonality on the growth and productivity of table grapes and how these may be managed through breeding and agronomy.

<p align="left"><strong>Taxonomic notes on <em>Vaccinium glaucophyllum</em> (Ericaceae): supplementary description of floral morphology and sectional reassignment (Ericaceae)</strong></p>

The floral morphological description of Vaccinium glaucophyllum is supplemented based on newly collected flowering material. This species is reassigned to V. section Calcicolus based on its evergreen habit, dimorphic perennating buds, racemose inflorescences with large caducous bracts and pseudo-10-loculed ovary with 2–5 seeds. The information on its type, distribution and conservation status together with color photos is also provided.

Structural Features of Carnivorous Plant (Genlisea, Utricularia) Tubers as Abiotic Stress Resistance Organs.

Carnivorous plants from the Lentibulariaceae form a variety of standard and novel vegetative organs and survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Within Genlisea, only G. tuberosa, from the Brazilian Cerrado, formed tubers, while Utricularia menziesii is the only member of the genus to form seasonally dormant tubers. We aimed to examine and compare the tuber structure of two taxonomically and phylogenetically divergent terrestrial carnivorous plants: Genlisea tuberosa and Utricularia menziesii. Additionally, we analyzed tubers of U. mannii. We constructed phylogenetic trees using chloroplast genes matK/trnK and rbcL and used studied characters for ancestral state reconstruction. All examined species contained mainly starch as histologically observable reserves. The ancestral state reconstruction showed that specialized organs such as turions evolved once and tubers at least 12 times from stolons in Lentibulariaceae. Different from other clades, tubers probably evolved from thick stolons for sect. Orchidioides and both structures are primarily water storage structures. In contrast to species from section Orchidioides, G. tuberosa, U. menziesii and U. mannii form starchy tubers. In G. tuberosa and U. menziesii, underground tubers provide a perennating bud bank that protects the species in their fire-prone and seasonally desiccating environments.

Recovery from bud disappearance explains prolonged dormancy in Cleistes bifaria (Orchidaceae)

Virtually nothing is known about what actually happens during prolonged dormancy, the period during which significant proportions of geophyte populations do not sprout after seasonal dormancy but remain alive underground, to emerge again 1 or more years later. This study investigated the fate of perennating buds on plants of the orchid Cleistes bifaria during prolonged dormancy, as well as effects of bud removal on dormancy and future sprouting. Fates of healthy perennating buds were observed by examining underground plant structures over an annual cycle (fall, spring, fall). Effects of bud loss were assessed by removal of mature buds from one group of plants, followed by comparison with a control group a year later. Of the 142 perennating buds under observation, 38% did not emerge in the spring, and all these were missing the buds that were present and healthy the previous fall. Removal of perennating buds in the fall did not affect whether a plant emerged in the spring; however, it reduced the number and size of perennating buds produced for the following year. For C. bifaria in West Virginia, prolonged dormancy appears to be the time period during which plants are recovering from the disappearance of perennating buds. Although the cause of bud loss remains unknown, research can now be focused on whether other species fail to emerge for the same reason, what causes buds to disappear, and why removal had no effect on spring emergence but negatively affected future sprouting.

Fire as a Restoration Tool: A Decision Framework for Predicting the Control or Enhancement of Plants Using Fire

Wildfires change plant communities by reducing dominance of some species while enhancing the abundance of others. Detailed habitat-specific models have been developed to predict plant responses to fire, but these models generally ignore the breadth of fire regime characteristics that can influence plant survival such as the degree and duration of exposure to lethal temperatures. We provide a decision framework that integrates fire regime components, plant growth form, and survival attributes to predict how plants will respond to fires and how fires can be prescribed to enhance the likelihood of obtaining desired plant responses. Fires are driven by biotic and abiotic factors that dictate their temporal (seasonality and frequency), spatial (size and patchiness), and magnitude (intensity, severity, and type) components. Plant resistance and resilience to fire can be categorized by a combination of life form, size, and ability to disperse or protect seeds. We use a combination of life form and vital plant attributes along with an understanding of fire regime components to suggest a straightforward way to approach the use of fire to either reduce or enhance particular species. A framework for aiding decisions is organized by life form and plant size. Questions regarding perennating bud and seed characteristics direct restoration practitioners to fire regimes that may achieve their management objectives of either increasing or decreasing plants with specific life form characteristics.

Source-Sink Relations in North American Ginseng Seedlings as Influenced by Leaflet Removal

Seedlings of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) were grown to full canopy establishment and then leaflet or leaf removal at different times applied to determine the effects on plant growth and performance. Leaf removal at 47, 57, 69 and 78 days after seeding resulted in 82.1, 59.8, 41.3 and 29.8% reduction, respectively, in root dry matter (economic yield) ; this indicates that leaf removal during the early root growth period causes greatest reduction in root yield. Removal of 1, 2, and 3 leaflets at 42, 52, 62 and 70 days from seeding reduced root weight at harvest (80 days from seeding) linearly, particularly at earlier removal dates. The perennating bud formed on all roots and was not influenced by treatment. This would suggest that if leaf loss occurs after canopy establishment the plant will re-grow the next year after the obligatory dormancy period.

RAPD typification: phenetic analysis of Vaccinium inflorescences

The inflorescence of Vaccinium hiepii is described for the first time, and as predicted, its floral features are similar to those of V. chunii. However, this floral axis has nothing in common with the type of its putative section, i.e. Vaccinium sect. Galeopetalum. Subsequent numerical analyses of inflorescence types in Vaccinium using 43 taxa and 11 floral features suggest three inflorescence types for the genus: (1) the ‘myrtillus’ type where a single flower emerges directly from the axil of some leaves or bracts of the current shoot; (2) the ‘dialypetalum’ type where just the floral primordia are laid down within the confines of the perennating bud; (3) the ‘hiepii’ type where the complete floral axis is laid down within the perennating bud. Based on this tripartite division, a new taxon, Vaccinium sect. Calcicolus Vander Kloet sect. nov. is described for these Himalayan blueberries. A diagnostic key and brief description is provided for the eight species included in this new section. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 148, 445–457.

Phenological growth stages of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

SummaryThe BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, Chemische Industrie) scale is used to describe the phonological growth stages of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Eight principal growth stages for germination and bud development, leaf development (crop canopy), root and perennating bud formation, peduncle elongation and inflorescence development, flowering and fruit set, development of fruit, ripening of fruit and senescence, and 42 secondary growth stages are described. A practical use of the scale is proposed with reference to the timing of application of agrochemicals for disease control.

Phylogenetic Constraint, Absent Life Forms, and Preadapted Alien Plants: A Prescription for Biological Invasions

Widely separated plant communities supported by similar physical environments can display much similarity in their life form spectra even though these communities are often floristically unrelated. Such structural similarity reveals the strength of the physical environment in natural selection, particularly for the height, position, and duration of the perennating bud—the underlying premise of Raunkiaer’s life form system. But similarities among communities in life form spectra can be limited in part by phylogenetic constraints within the native flora. Phylogenetic constraint has been forcefully and repeatedly demonstrated with the arrival into new ranges of species with novel life forms that have become invasive (i.e., alien species with life forms novel to a recipient community have often become persistent, prolific, and even dominant). Communities invaded by species with a heretofore unrepresented life form are exceptionally diverse, both geographically and environmentally, and include coastal foredune...

Freeze Damage to North American Ginseng

The Lake Erie counties of southern Ontario, Canada are the major producers of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in North America. In this area there is about 1740 ha (4299.5 acres) of ginseng and an annual production of 1455 t (1603.8 tons). Spring freeze damage to the crop is rare as the mean date of last freeze in spring is 12 May. On 21 May 2002, following three to six nights when air temperatures dropped below freezing, extensive damage to the crop was evident. A survey by the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association showed that 78% of growers had gardens showing freeze damage. The extent of the damage was variable across the growing area, and on individual farms. Most damage to plants occurred in low-lying areas where heavy cold air collected. Recently germinated seedlings that were exposed above the straw mulch were severely damaged, and many did not survive because they did not have leaves and no perennating bud was formed. Damage to 2-year-old plants was expressed as leaves wilting and turning black. In some cases stems froze and the plants toppled. In 3-year-old and older plants, damage was variable with some leaf collapse and stems broken, or damaged with corking-over taking place. Damage to inflorescences ranged from death and abscission, to distorted flowers and shriveled and split peduncles. Plant health was a concern following the freeze episode, and throughout the subsequent growing season. The fungicide fenhexamid received emergency registration to combat recurring problems in Botrytis control. The seed crop for 2002 was light. Damaged seedling gardens were replanted. Older gardens will undergo a period of adjustment. Root yield in 2002 was reduced by 30%, a 500 t (551.1 tons) loss. The full extent of the damage and associated financial implications are unknown and could impact the industry until 2005.

Gibberellin Effects on Inflorescence Development, Bud Dormancy and Root Development in North American Ginseng

Gibberellic acid (GA) was applied to field-grown 3-year-old North American ginseng (Panax quinqueiolius L.) between 1 and 4 times, before and during bloom in 1999. Applications of both GA and GA4+7/ four times (x4) to the developing inflorescences increased maximum pedicel length, and seed head diameter and height. Treatment with GA4+7/ increased mean and total root fresh weight linearly, whereas those treated with GA did not show similar increases. Both GA and GA4+7/ at 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1/ (x4) increased the incidence of breaking of dormancy of perennating buds with GA being twice as effective as GA4+7/. Both GA and GA4+7/ treatments resulted in an increased number of new bud initials forming per root, with the number of new initials per root increased two-fold by the GA sprays compared to GA4+7/.

The North American ginseng inflorescence: development, floret abscission zone, and the effect of ethylene

Characterization of the North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) inflorescence, the floret abscission zone, and its stimulation by ethylene were undertaken to gain insights into the potential for floret abscission induction as a replacement for the industry practice of expensive manual removal of the inflorescence. In each of 3 years, peduncle length of 3-year-old cultivated ginseng inflorescences increased rapidly in June, reaching maximal values of 140–180 mm. During this period, seed head diameter also increased to about 35 mm, while seed head fresh mass increased in July and August to 6.5–8.0 g. Flowering in 1996 and 1997 began in the last 2 weeks of June and lasted through July, with open flowers never exceeding 35%. Anatomical studies and manual dissection of 1- and 3-year-old perennating buds revealed development of the floral primordia first at their periphery and progressing centripetally. Stamen initials were seen as a pentamerous whorl just under the petal primordia, and the characteristic inferior ovary initiated as a slight depression at the centre of the floral meristem. Sections through 3-year-old inflorescences harvested on May 23, 1996, showed that distal floral apices had already formed constriction zones between the flower and the pedicel, indicating the position of the abscission zone. Length of time to ethylene-induced abscission zone formation was less than 24 h in 3-year-old ginseng harvested on July 23, 1997. The abscission threshold for ginseng berry drop was in the range of 10-100 µL·L–1 ethylene.Key words: anatomy, flowering, Panax quinquefolius, perennating bud.

Persicaria amphibia (L. ) Gray (Polygonum amphibium L.)

A versatile rhizomatous perennial, one of the rather few truly amphibious plants (Rodwell 1995), with aquatic and terrestrial forms so different that the uninitiated may think that they are different species (Lousley & Kent 1981). Aquatic form. Pale, branching rhizomes < 0.2 m deep in underwater substrate (Best & Dassen 1987), and < 2 m under water (Spence in Veg. Scot.), carry perennating buds that produce pliable, sparsely branching stems with vestigial leaves and rings of adventitious roots; interodes 5-40 cm (Arber 1920). Stems branch < 10 cm underwater, and bear alternate floating leaves: blades pliant, waxy, smooth, 4-10 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, lanceolate/narrow-ovate, margin entire or minutely toothed; petioles 2-8 cm, flexible. Ochreae entire, membranous, semitranslucent, secreting mucilage around axillary bud. In early summer, shoots surface with 1-3 aerial leaves and inflorescences. Peduncle glabrous or sparsely hairy + stalked glands; otherwise aquatic form entirely glabrous. Terrestrialform. + glabrous, glandular-hairy, finely to coarsely pubescent or appressed-hispid. Rhizomes < 50 cm deep produce procumbent/erect stems, 0.4-1 (-2) m, branching below, little-branching above; internodes 1-4 cm, nodes (+ root-precursors) swollen. Ochreae entire, green, hairs (if present) may exceed margin. Petioles + rigid, 0.5-1.5 cm, blades 4-14 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, more opaque, coarse and inflexible than in aquatic form, lanceolate, margin fine-toothed, immature/early leaves often with dark chevron-shaped blotches.

Experimental trampling of vegetation. II. Predictors of resistance and resilience : D. N. Cole, Journal of Applied Ecology, 32(1), 1995, pp 215–224

1. Experimental trampling was conducted in 18 vegetation types in five separate mountain regions in the United States. Each type was trampled 0-500 times and vegetation response was assessed 2 weeks and 1 year after trampling. 2. The response of vegetation to trampling is expressed in terms of three indices: resistance, tolerance and resilience. Resistance and tolerance are determined from the vegetation surviving 2 weeks and 1 year after trampling. respectively. Resilience compares the change over the remainder of the year with that during the first 2 weeks after trampling. 3. Plant morphological characteristics explained more of the variation in response to trampling than the site characteristics that were assessed: altitude, overstorey canopy cover or total groundlayer vegetation cover. 4. Resistance was primarily a function of vegetation stature, erectness and whether plants were graminoids, forbs or shrubs. The most resistant plants were caespitose or matted graminoids; the least resistant plants were erect forbs. 5. Resilience was primarily a function of whether plants were chamaephytes, with perennating buds located above the ground surface. Chamaephytes were much less resilient than other plants. 6. Tolerance, which measures the ability of vegetation to withstand a cycle of disturbance and recovery, was correlated more with resilience than resistance. Consequently, the least tolerant plants were the chamaephytes. The most tolerant plants were caespitose, matted and rosette hemicryptophytes, and geophytes. 7. The resistance and resilience of individual species were negatively correlated, particularly for chamaephytes and graminoids. For herbaceous species with perennating tissues located at or below ground level, tolerance was more highly correlated with resilience than with resistance. For chamaephytes, tolerance was more highly correlated with resistance.

Experimental Trampling of Vegetation. II. Predictors of Resistance and Resilience

1. Experimental trampling was conducted in 18 vegetation types in five separate mountain regions in the United States. Each type was trampled 0-500 times and vegetation response was assessed 2 weeks and 1 year after trampling. 2. The response of vegetation to trampling is expressed in terms of three indices: resistance, tolerance and resilience. Resistance and tolerance are determined from the vegetation surviving 2 weeks and 1 year after trampling. respectively. Resilience compares the change over the remainder of the year with that during the first 2 weeks after trampling. 3. Plant morphological characteristics explained more of the variation in response to trampling than the site characteristics that were assessed: altitude, overstorey canopy cover or total groundlayer vegetation cover. 4. Resistance was primarily a function of vegetation stature, erectness and whether plants were graminoids, forbs or shrubs. The most resistant plants were caespitose or matted graminoids; the least resistant plants were erect forbs. 5. Resilience was primarily a function of whether plants were chamaephytes, with perennating buds located above the ground surface. Chamaephytes were much less resilient than other plants. 6. Tolerance, which measures the ability of vegetation to withstand a cycle of disturbance and recovery, was correlated more with resilience than resistance. Consequently, the least tolerant plants were the chamaephytes. The most tolerant plants were caespitose, matted and rosette hemicryptophytes, and geophytes. 7. The resistance and resilience of individual species were negatively correlated, particularly for chamaephytes and graminoids. For herbaceous species with perennating tissues located at or below ground level, tolerance was more highly correlated with resilience than with resistance. For chamaephytes, tolerance was more highly correlated with resistance.

Tundra Disturbance Studies, III: Short-term Effects of Aeolian Sand and Dust, Yamal Region, Northwest Siberia

This paper describes the short-term responses of tundra vegetation and soils to aeolian sand and dust emanating from anthropogenically-bared surfaces in the low-arctic region of northwestern Siberia. Such surfaces, including roads and quarries, are increasing substantially each year as the region undergoes massive gas- and oil-producing development. Data are presented which emphasize the ‘cumulative’ impacts of corridor construction, namely those effects which are measurable laterally, at some distance from the actual surfaces of roads and quarries, four years after their creation. In particular, changes in plant communities are documented, in addition to the chemistry and macronutrient status of mineral soils and dominant vascular plants and mosses, respectively, as affected by road-dust.Dramatic changes in plant community composition and cover were evident up to 200 m downwind from a ‘typical’ sand quarry. Although a few species appeared to respond favourably to rapid sand deposition, the great majority that were beset with it have declined in status or disappeared altogether. The exceptions were those growth-forms having the ability to keep perennating buds at or above the surface of the deepening sand (e.g. Betula nana, Salix spp., and Polytrichum spp.). The most pronounced decreases recorded were among lichens, hepatics, Sphagnum spp., and pleurocarpous mosses. The decline in Sphagnum spp., which dominate the moss layer and contribute much of the hummock-hollow microtopography, is already having a profound impact on community structure by virtually eliminating surface heterogeneity.

Two New Species of Hyparrhenia (Gramineae) from Ethiopia

Summary. Two new species, H. neglecta and H. claytonii, are described from the Ethiopian highlands and their position within the genus is discussed. Hyparrhenia is a large genus of predominantly African savanna grasses, notorious for the indistinctness of many of its species due to extensive introgression. In these circumstances intermediates are commonplace, leading to difficulties in identification, and new species can only be described with caution. However, the two specimens described here, each as a new species, show distinctive characteristics clearly delimiting them from other members of the genus. They have come to light during the preparation of the grass account for the Ethiopian Flora Project. A majority of Hyparrhenia species are tall tussocky perennials, well suited to wooded grassland subject to a seasonal rainfall regime. The basal tussock protects the perennating buds from the heat of the regular dry-season fires. The annual habit is relatively infrequent, but interestingly a high proportion of these annual species occur in Ethiopia, often as endemics or at least with their distribution centred there. Indeed, Ethiopia seems to be a minor centre of diversity in Hyparrhenia, where the genus has escaped from the constraints of the savanna, speciating particularly in the direction of an annual habit. Unfortunately collections from the northern part of the Ethiopian highlands are still very sparse and our knowledge of variation there is necessarily limited. It is therefore not surprising that new species should still be discovered in this part of the range of the genus. Hyparrhenia neglecta S. M. Phillips sp. nov., gramen annuum sect. Hyparrhenia pertinens, speciebus aliis sectionis (H. coleotricha excepta) paribus racemorum quadriaristatis differt, affinis H. coleotricha sed gluma inferiore spiculae sessilis linearo-oblonga coriacea glabra, pedunculi barba lutea, aristula spiculae pedicellatae 4 - 5 mm (nec 6 - 8 mm) longa differt. Typus: Ethiopia, Quartin Dillon & Petit 66 (holotypus K). Slender annual; culms 45-55 cm high. Leaf-blades linear, 3-4 mm wide, glabrous; ligule truncate, c. 1 mm long with adnate triangular sheath-auricles, pallid. Spatheate panicle loose, sparse, composed of 5 - 8 raceme-pairs; spatheoles narrowly lanceolate, 5-6 cm long; peduncle /3 spatheole length, arching at maturity, bearded with yellow hairs. Raceme-pairs stoutly 4-awned, deflexed at

The Ecological Life Cycle of Perideridia americana (Apiaceae)

-Perideridia americana is a geophyte that is rare in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee but not in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri. Shoots emerge above the soil surface in early spring, and seeds mature in early July. By the time shoots senesce in early July, a small perennating bud has formed at the top of the root, ca. 5 cm below the soil surface. This bud grew at 5 and 15/6, but not at 30/15 C. Under natural conditions, bud growth began in early October, and buds were 5 cm long by mid-March. Seeds sown in a nontemperature-controlled greenhouse in July germinated the following spring; only two seeds germinated the 2nd yr. Seeds had underdeveloped linear embryos that grew from 0.3-2.3 mm in length before germination. Cold stratification was the only requirement for full embryo growth and for breaking of seed dormancy. Thus, the seeds have morphophysiological dormancy. Flowering in most plants was delayed until the 4th or later yr after germination. The species appears to have little potential to form a persistent seed bank, and plants do not flower until they are several years old. Therefore, survival of P. americana at a site may require long-term protection.

Contrasting Growth and Morphological Characteristics of Fire-Sensitive (Obligate Seeder) and Fire-Resistant (Resprouter) Species of Restionaceae (S Hemisphere Restiads) From South-Western Western-Australia

Populations of south-western Australian members of the Restionaceae were examined in a wide range of wetland, seasonally inundated and dryland habitats over 4 years and the behaviour of 82 of the species authenticated according to whether they survived (resprouter strategy) or were killed (obligate seeder strategy) by fire. Material of the same seeder and resprouter species collected during summer or early autumn from habitats not burnt for at least 5 years was then used for morphometric measurements, observations on rhizome morphology, determinations of culm: rhizome dry weight (DW) ratios and assays of starch and sugars in rhizomes. Rhizome diameters of all 37 resprouters exceeded 2.3 mm while 28 of the 45 seeder species had narrow rhizomes in the range 0.2-2.1 mm. Culm : rhizome DW ratios of seeders (mean 12.3 ± s.e. 1.2) were much higher than those of resprouters (mean 2.9 ± s.e. 0.4). Mean ± position of perennating buds of seeders was mostly at or close to soil surface (-0.6 ± 0.2 cm), while that of resprouters was more deeply buried ( 2.8 ± s.e. 0.5 cm), Seven categories of rhizome morphology were recognised. Three of these (essentially tufted habit, rhizome growth ascending or erect) were much more typical of seeders (n = 37) than resprouters (n = 5). The other four categories included rhizomes of basically horizontal growth and a loosely tufted or widely spreading habit, and were collectively associated more with resprouters (n = 32) than seeders (n = 8). Starch was present at detectable levels in rhizomes of 23 species of resprouters (mean concentration ± s.e. DW for these positive species was 7.13 ± 1.62%) and only 3 seeders (0.16 ± 0.11%). Levels of total soluble sugars (mean ± s.e. DW) (predominantly sucrose, fructose and glucose) were 3.39 ± 0.59% in resprouters compared with 1.06 ± 0.19% in seeders. Data are discussed in relation to previous studies on seeder and resprouter representatives from other plant families.