A study of growth form in genets of Trifolium repens L. as affected by intra- and interplant contacts.

The stolon apices of genets of Trifolium repens were mapped in the field, and the distance moved by each apex eight days after mapping was measured. The spatial distribution of the apices was investigated using the Voronoi polygon construct. The spacing of apices was shown to differ between genets, and to be influenced by the proximity of neighbouring genets. The rate of extension of stolons was positively correlated with polygon area. The differences observed were interpreted in terms of differences in the positions of genets along the "phalanx-guerilla" continuum of growth forms. Mechanisms which may promote the intermingling of genets are discussed.