What is the term for aboveground runners that develop roots, shoots, and new plants at their tips or nodes?

The term for aboveground runners that develop roots, shoots, and new plants at their tips or nodes is "stolon." Stolons are a specific type of vegetative structure that grow horizontally along the ground. As they extend, they can produce new plants at their nodes, facilitating the spread and propagation of the species. This is an important mechanism for many plants, particularly in turf and ornamental situations, as it enables them to cover ground quickly and recover from damage.

In contrast, rhizomes are underground stems that serve a similar purpose but grow horizontally beneath the soil surface rather than above ground. Runners can refer to various types of aboveground growth, but in a broad sense, they are often used interchangeably with stolons, emphasizing less on the vegetative reproduction aspect. Bulbs are storage organs that develop underground and primarily serve as food storage for the plant and are not involved in producing new plants through runners. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective weed management and plant propagation in horticultural practices.