How does *Ornithogalum* aggressively reproduce, contributing to its persistence as a garden problem?
Answer
Through the production of offsets, creating dense clusters of small bulbs underground
The persistent nature of *Ornithogalum* as a problematic weed in lawns and disturbed areas is directly linked to its reproductive strategy. This genus, particularly *O. umbellatum*, reproduces aggressively beneath the soil surface. Instead of relying solely on seeds, the plant generates numerous small bulbs, referred to as offsets, which form dense clusters connected to the parent bulb structure. This underground multiplication makes eradication difficult, as disturbing the soil merely spreads these viable, toxic bulbs around, ensuring the plant's return season after season unless all subterranean structures are meticulously removed.
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