Which plant reproductive structure is typically an above-ground runner?

• A. Root buds
• B. Stolons
• C. Rhyizomes
• D. Suckers

Answer: (B)

Stolons are the structure that acts as an above-ground runner. They are horizontal stems that grow along the surface of the soil and form new plants at the points where they root. This lets a plant spread and reproduce vegetatively while staying largely at ground level, which is why strawberries and similar plants use stolons to pop up new individuals nearby.

In contrast, rhizomes stay underground and spread through subterranean stems; suckers are new shoots that arise from the base or roots rather than running along the surface; root buds are buds on roots that can sprout, but they aren’t runners. So the description of an above-ground runner fits stolons best.