Variation in life history characteristics between clones of Ranunculus repens grown in experimental garden conditions

Abstract

Ranunculus repens L. is a clonal perennial that occurs in a wide range of environmental conditions. This species is also a notorious weed of disturbed habitats. Life history parameters of clones from 24 Irish populations of R. repens from ruderal, marsh and turlough (temporary lake) habitat types were measured in an experimental garden across a growing season. Mother rosettes with a greater number of leaves produced a greater amount of primary stolons. Ramet production was higher in plants that produced a greater number of secondary and tertiary stolons. Growth and production of vegetative and sexual offspring did not vary with habitat types from which the clones were derived. High variability was evident between clones for all parameters measured. The extent and success of colonization by this species is therefore highly dependent on the productivity of the initial pioneer.