Biomass Accumulation and Reproduction in Erythronium albidum

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Abstract
E. albidum is characterized by non-reproducing, vegetatively reproducing and sexually reproducing individuals. A single population was studied to estimate productivity and biomass allocation in the 3 plant types and to determine the relative importance of vegetative and sexual reproduction in the population dynamics. Net production of the 3 plant types was estimated at 105, 157 and 523 mg, respectively. Reproductive effort, both in terms of absolute biomass allocation and as a proportion of spring production, was greater in vegetatively reproducing plants. The rate of establishment is far lower for propagules produced by sexual reproduction than by vegetative reproduction. Thus, when determined on the basis of successful establishment of reproductive propagules sexual reproduction accounts for a greater proportion of spring production than vegetative reproduction.