Abstract
The spatial pattern of A. nudicaulis was determined by mapping all shoots in a 200 m2 area. Morisita''s index of dispersion indicates that A. nudicaulis shoots are clearly aggregated in patches of approximately 0.25 m2. Partial excavation of clones showed that the aboveground spatial pattern does not correspond to the underlying clone structure; shoots within a patch are usually from different rhizome systems. The ramets which are connected are highly dispersed, occupying many different patches. This growth pattern may be an adaptive response to patchy and unpredictable microhabitats and patterns of herbivory.