The cost of reproduction to the clonal herb <i>Asarum canadense</i> (wild ginger)

Abstract

The cost of reproduction to the clonal understorey herb Asarum canadense (wild ginger) was examined by measuring subsequent growth and storage. All connected vegetative rhizome was controlled and fully measured. Three important aspects of reproductive effort were addressed: (i) the effect of sexual reproduction on subsequent storage and growth of fragments, (ii) the effect of asexual reproduction on subsequent storage and growth of fragments, and (iii) a comparison to determine the least costly method of reproduction. It was found that sexual reproduction in wild ginger has an energy cost that diverts energy from storage and growth. Asexual reproduction represents neither a net energy cost nor gain to the fragment and is the least costly mode of reproduction to wild ginger. Key words: Asarum canadense, reproduction, rhizome, clonal.