LivePlants.net

We spent an evening looking at asexual (vegetative) reproduction in plants. Cloning is part of plant biology and we can use plants that clone in a number of design contexts. For designers, vegetative reproduction in plants can have a positive use. For example, wetland restoration, dune restoration, or covering a large area quickly, for instance a “green” roof can benefit from fast-growing clones. On the other hand, negative results can arise. Everyone knows the danger of fast-spreading bamboo, kudzu vine, or other weeds that can take over a landscape and push out other, perhaps more desirable species. And vegetative reproduction can backfire in restoration projects as well. For example, certain aquatic weeds such as the water hyacinth can cover a freshwater lake in one season, choking out other species and depriving the aquatic habitat of light and oxygen. The bottom line: know the biology of a plant before you assume it is safe to use in a given project. Think about all the possible outcomes before you plant with impunity.

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