Vegetative Reproduction

What is vegetative reproduction?

Although angiosperms are best known by their patterns of sexual reproduction, many flowering plants can also reproduce asexually. This process, also known as vegetative reproduction, enables a single plant to produce offspring genetically identical to itself. This process takes place naturally in many plants, and horticulturalists also use it as a technique to produce many copies of an individual plant. Vegetative reproduction is the formation of new individuals by mitosis. It does not require gametes, flowers, or fertilization.

Types of Vegetative Reproduction Vegetative reproduction takes place in a number of ways. For example, new plants may grow from roots, leaves, stems, or plantlets. Figure 24–7 shows several ways plant species reproduce vegetatively.

Because vegetative reproduction does not involve pollination or seed formation, a single plant can reproduce quickly. In addition, asexual reproduction allows a single plant to produce genetically identical offspring. This enables well-adapted individuals to rapidly fill a favorable environment. One of the obvious drawbacks of asexual reproduction is that it does not produce new combinations of genetic traits, which may be valuable if conditions in the physical environment change.

FIGURE 24–7 Examples of Vegetative Reproduction Stem adaptations play a role in the vegetative reproduction of these three plants. Apply Concepts Describe how asexual reproduction might allow a plant to become rapidly established in a new area.

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