Fig. 2.

Diagrammatic flow chart for the dynamics of below-ground bud populations. (1) The below-ground bud bank is replenished primarily via axillary bud production, although adventitious or accessory buds may contribute. (2) Higher-order branching of existing buds can greatly increase bud bank size. (3) Adventitious bud formation often occurs independently of shoot growth as long as resources are stored or available for bud formation, which is generally a low cost to the plant. (4) The relative proportions of buds that remain dormant or grow out have large effects on both bud bank and above-ground population dynamics. If bud bank size is small and/or outgrowth rates are low, plant population growth may be meristem-limited. (5) Both dormant and active buds can experience mortality or predation.