Which plant structure is a prostrate stem that produces new plants from buds?

The correct answer is the prostrate stem that produces new plants from buds is known as a stolon. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow along the surface of the soil and can generate new shoots and roots at nodes. This vegetative reproduction strategy allows plants to spread effectively and form new colonies.

For example, many common ground covers and certain grasses utilize stolons to propagate themselves, creating a dense mat of growth that is effective for erosion control and covering bare soil. This is an important reproductive strategy as it allows the plant to establish itself in an area without relying solely on seeds.

Understanding the nature of stolons is essential when managing landscapes and working with various plant species, especially in contexts like turf management or homeowners' gardens, where knowing how plants reproduce can inform maintenance and control strategies.