noun
runner
A plant stem that spreads along the ground and can form new plants.
The strawberry plant sends a runner across the bare soil.
Etymology
The plant stem is named for its spreading movement along the ground. Its growth appears to run outward from the parent plant.
More examples
- New plants take root along the runners.
- She clips the runners to keep the strawberry patch tidy.
- Once the young plant has roots, you can cut the connecting runner.
Forms
runner · runners
Similar words
- stolon
- The technical botanical term for this spreading stem.