Application of the -3/2 Power Law to Clonal Herbs

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Abstract
The -3/2 power law is useful for describing and understanding density-dependent population regulation in a variety of plant species. It is not clear how the law applies to ramet populations of clonal plants. A graphical model is presented that hypothesizes 2 possible responses of clonal plant populations to potential density stress. In 1 situation, the population stabilizes at a density-mean ramet weight combination at which the mean weight is the same as at lower densities. No thinning or density-induced modifications in growth occur. In the 2nd situation, the population continues to increase in density while mean ramet weight declines. There is some evidence that both outcomes are seen in nature. The 1st outcome probably should be observed only in clonal plants that occur as pure or discrete clones and in which clonal ramets remain physiologically integrated. Some clonal plants possess these characteristics. Others, for which the 2nd outcome seems to be observed, do not possess these characteristics.