BioConcepts

rametRamet (ger.)

• Originally: an individual member of a clone of plants derived by vegetative reproduction from a single parent plant (ortet) and often (at least initially) remaining physically connected with it. Later also: a member or part of any clonal or modular organism; the basic unit or module of such an organism. (OED 2011)
  category individual see also genet

  1973

  The term ‘genet’ is used for the genetic individual (the product of a seed which may be a large clone) distinguished from the ramet, the functional unit in a vegetatively reproducing species.

  Sarukhán, J. & Harper, J.L. (1973). Studies on plant demography: Ranunculus repents L., R. bulbosus L. and R. acris L. I. Population flux and survivorship. Journal of Ecology 61, 675-716: 677.

  1974

  It is of much interest to determine how population regulation occurs in such a system where the size of a population may be reflected in the numbers of the genetic individuals (genets) present, or the number of vegetative units—tillers or ramets.

  Kays, S. & Harper, J.L. (1974). The regulation of plant and tiller density in a grass sword. Journal of Ecology 62, 97-105: 97.

  1982

  ramet A member or modular unit of a clone, that may follow an independent existence if separated from the parent organism; cf. genet, ortet.

  Lincoln, R.J., Boxshall, G.A. & Clark, P.F. (1982). A Dictionary of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics: 211.