Population ecology of Allium ursinum, a space-monopolizing clonal plant

We review the population ecology of Allium ursinum according to its life history, phenology, demography, dispersal, and population dynamics. Spatial distribution is reviewed on two spatial scales. First, on a broad scale over Europe, in relation to the habitat requirement of the species. Second, on a fine scale of individual patches, presenting some results about the local processes of density regulation and patch formation. We conclude that A. ursinum has a distinct, hitherto non-described, strategy for monopolizing space and dominating the forest floor. This Clan-of-Clones strategy has the following attributes. 1) Most of the seeds are dispersed close to the parent. 2) Seedling establishment is facilitated by the surrounding adults. 3) Allocation to vegetative reproduction is relatively small; its main role is to prolong local persistence. 4) The genet is not integrated physiologically, except for a transient connection between parent and offspring. An important consequence of the Clan-of-Clones strategy is that occupied patches can be fine-grained mosaics in terms of genetic composition and age groups