After winter has thud, the first flowers at early spring appear. But these plants have not grown from seeds, they have reproduced from bulbs.
Bulbs enable plants to reproduce asexual, that is without producing gemmae. Bulbs are known as perennating organs. They allow plants to survive in adverse conditions and then to grow quickly when the time is right.
The swollen risems of the irises have a similar function. But asexual reproduction does not rely solely on perennating organs. This liverwort can reproduce asexually be at gemmae.
Gemmae are small disks of green tissue that grow inside special cups. When mature, they break off from the parent plant, often due to the action of rain drops. They scatter away from the parent plant and will eventually grow into new gametophyte plants.
Plants like this bryophylum can also reproduce asexually. Miniature plantlets developed at the edges of its leaves. In time, this will drop off and develop into independent plants. Mature strawberry plants are able to establish new plantlets on the end of long runners.
Gardeners are able to cultivate plants asexually be of cuttings. This is possible because stems cells like this are able to trigger the formation of root cells, and will start to grow roots.
The ability of many plants to reproduce asexually helps commercial growers because it is quicker and more reliable than growing plants from seeds.
It also ensures growers that quality is consistent.
Asexual reproduction is all about exploiting a good knish. In such circumstances, the value of sexual reproduction with its result in diversity may actually weaken the dominance of an established group. But in a changing environment, diversity means survivor.
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