What is the role of a stolon in plant reproduction?

The role of a stolon in plant reproduction is primarily to extend the plant's reach and facilitate a form of asexual reproduction. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow along the surface of the soil. From these stolons, new plants can emerge from buds located at the tips or nodes. This process allows plants to spread and colonize new areas without the need for seeds.

Stolons are particularly advantageous for plants in environments where conditions are suitable for growth and expansion, as they can quickly establish new individuals that are genetically identical to the parent plant. This is especially useful for maintaining a strong presence in competitive habitats and recovering from disturbances. The ability to form new plants from stolons contributes significantly to a species' ability to thrive and reproduce effectively.

The other options address different plant structures or functions unrelated to the specific role of stolons in reproduction, which makes the choice highlighting the stolon’s role in producing new plants the most accurate.