What are runners in plants, particularly strawberries and spider plants?

Runners in plants, such as strawberries and spider plants, refer to specialized stems that grow horizontally above the ground. These stems, also known as stolons, extend out from the parent plant and can develop new roots and shoots at specific points called nodes. When these nodes root into the soil, they can give rise to genetically identical daughter plants, allowing for asexual reproduction and the spread of the plant. This method of propagation is advantageous because it enables plants to colonize an area quickly and effectively, ensuring their survival and thriving in suitable environments.

Understanding the nature of runners helps clarify how certain plants can expand their populations without relying on seeds, which can be less effective in certain conditions. The other choices describe different parts or forms of plants but do not accurately represent the function of runners as a means of asexual reproduction.