Spatial structure and development of Paspalum vaginatum (Poaceae): an architectural approach

Abstract

Paspalum vaginatum Sw. is a perennial grass originating from tropical and subtropical regions worldwide that plays important ecological and utilitarian roles such as dune stabilisation and erosion control, and is used as a lawn and forage plant. The vegetative morphology of shoots was studied using an architectural approach with the aim of identifying constant features that characterise the architectural unit of this species, describing its developmental dynamics, and exploring the morphological basis of its extraordinary plasticity and adaptability to multiple ecological conditions. Plants of two ecotypes were cultivated in pots outdoors during two consecutive summers, and axes of different branching order were marked for periodical observations. Leaf typology, orientation and position of branches and occurrence and position of reproductive axes were considered. The basic growth pattern arises as a result of extensive plagiotropic growth of axes up to fourth branching order, which initially behave as stolons but can become rhizomes insofar the soil cover increases. Orthotropic floriferous axes up to fifth order develop at the axils of stolons, which can form ‘daughter’ clumps by basal tillering. Despite quantitative differences, both ecotypes share similar architectural features. Architectural analysis provides the basis to predict space occupation dynamics under different environmental conditions of growth.