Stolon

/ˈstoʊlən/ noun

Definition

A horizontal stem that grows along or just below the soil surface, producing new plants at its nodes or tip. Stolons allow plants to spread vegetatively and colonize new areas.

Etymology

From Latin 'stolo' meaning 'shoot, branch, or sucker,' derived from the root meaning 'to send forth.' This captures the stolon's function of extending outward to establish new plant colonies.

Kelly Says

Stolons are nature's networking cables, connecting parent plants to their offspring in vast underground communities! A single strawberry plant can create dozens of clones through stolons, forming patches that are actually one genetic individual spread across many square meters.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.