The development of the tussock of a clonal grass

The development of the tussock architecture in Spartina argentinensis Parodi (Poaceae: Chlorideae) is analyzed. The anatomy of the rhizomes and the position of the buds that continue growth after disturbances such as fire are described, using pot grown plants and field collected adult plants. The plant exhibits a phalanx type of growth and begins to differentiate sympodial rhizomes after bearing more than five shoots. All buds are protected from fire by strips of lignified tissues. Monk tonsure-like gaps are regularly produced in the life cycle of the plant; their development begins when the plant has at least ten shoots and the growth of the rhizomes determines the future rays of the tussock. Environmental factors only allow the central gap to be seen.