On the Modelling of Clone Geometry inAsarum europaeum

A geometric model of an overground creeping herb is presented. The aim of modelling is to reveal interdependencies between local growth rules (i.e. branching angle) and overall characteristics of a clone (i.e. biomass, square, borderline irregularity etc.). The correlation between branching angle and lateral branches growth probability is revealed. In the case of high probability of branching (i.e. close to the apical growth probability) the branching angle is about 50° (in the case ofTrifolium repens). In the case of low probability of branching (about three times lower than apical growth probability) the branching angle is close to 80°. This is the case ofAsarum europaeum, the creeping herb possessing a low probability of branching. del also permits analysis of the dependicies between four hypothetical local strategies of searching the apical growth direction of a plant and the overall biomass of a clone. The result is that straightforward apical growth leads to maximal biomass and maximal clone square, while any other choice of growth direction dependent on local shoot density does not.