Shoot density of Miscanthus sinensis populations in different habitats and their maintenance mechanisms in relation to shoot growth.

How perennial grass populations are maintained in different climates is poorly understood at the level of individual shoots (ramets). During the years 1982-1987 and 1991-1993, measurements of shoot dynamics and growth in populations of a clonal grass, Miscanthus sinensis, were made at two sites in Japan that differed by approximately 5 °C in mean temperature. While annual shoot births were very stable during the period 1982-1987 at both sites, the number of flowering shoots fluctuated cyclically every year.

Ontogenetic changes in accumulation of rhizomes in monoclonal patch of Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. in warm temperate region of Japan.

To determine the main benefits of clonal expansion of Miscanthus sinensis patches (monoclones), we observed the annual pattern of the areal expansion of a number of M. sinensis patches and examined how the quantity of rhizomes in such patches is related to changes in their basal area. To forage for nutriments, a patch must continuously widen its habitat.

Shoot population dynamics of persisting clones of Miscanthus sinensis in the warm-temperate region of Japan.

The population dynamics of annual shoots in four clonal patches of Miscanthus sinensis was surveyed in terms of clone persistence. Over a study period of 3 years, a stable net shoot number was attained through a balanced replacement of old shoots by tillering 2-3 times a year. The birth rate was significantly correlated with the average monthly temperature.