– Background:
– Prostration may occur due to weak supporting tissues in stems.
– Genetic disposition can cause branches to grow horizontally to avoid strong sunlight.
– Environmental factors like strong winds can prune away erect branches.
– Prostrate plants may be used in horticulture as groundcovers and for erosion prevention.
– Prostrate shrubs are essential components of rock gardens.
– Ecology:
– Prostrate shrubs are used in hanging baskets and for green roofs.
– Urban gardens’ size reduction has increased the demand for dwarf plants.
– Prostrate plant forms can be created through deliberate breeding and selection.
– Shrubs like Banksia Roller Coaster and Grevillea Poorinda Royal Mantle are examples of prostrate varieties.
– Prostrate shrubs contribute to environmental conservation in green walls.
– Species:
– Roses, junipers, and cotoneasters can grow prostrate.
– Heaths, heathers, and wintergreens are examples of prostrate shrubs.
– Daphnes and rosemary can also form prostrate shrubs.
– North American bunchberry can appear as a prostrate shrub.
– Various species like Gaultheria humifusa and Pyracanthas are prostrate growers.
– See also:
– Cushion plant
– Subshrub
– References:
– Stewart’s book discusses prostration in plants.
– Adams’ book focuses on the Juniperus genus.
– Huxley’s edited work includes information on gardening.
– Manning and Paterson-Jones provide a field guide to Fynbos.
– Eyde’s research delves into the systematics of dogwoods.
A prostrate shrub is a woody plant, most of the branches of which lie upon or just above the ground, rather than being held erect as are the branches of most trees and shrubs.
