Dynamics of genets in cluonal plants.

Processes related to dispersal, recruitment and survivorship of 'genetic individuals' in clonal plants have long been considered enigmatic. Little is known of whole life-cycle dynamics in these, usually, very long-lived plants. However, inferences may be drawn from studies of specific aspects of clonal plant populations, in particular seedling recruitment, genetic structure and growth form variation. This review summarizes recent findings from such studies, and presents some conclusions concerning genet population structure and regulation, and life history evolution in clonal plants.