Stolonifera

Stolonifera is an order of alcyonarians, which are colonial polyps. These polyps are connected by stolons, which are horizontal extensions that can produce new individuals through budding. The organism is supported by a skeleton made of calcareous spicules that may fuse into tubes.12

The term "stolon" also refers to a specialized horizontal branch used for propagation in biology. In plants, a stolon (or runner) grows along the ground, producing roots and aerial branches at nodes. In zoology, stolons of certain invertebrates function similarly to plant stolons, extending horizontally and budding off new individuals. Fungi also use structures called stolons, which are horizontal filaments known as hyphae, to spread. This method of reproduction, where a new organism grows from a part of the parent, is a form of asexual or vegetative reproduction.23