Examples of linear (A–C) and round (D–F) spatial patterns of clonal plants that may affect spatial patterns of soil organic matter, nutrient availability and moisture. (A) Ammophila arenaria in Dutch coastal sand dunes; (B) Psammochloa villosa on sand dunes in Inner Mongolia, China; (C) Aechmea nudicaulis on a sandy beach in Brazil; (D) Sabina vulgaris on sand dunes in Inner Mongolia, China; (E, F) Kobresia humilis on the shore of Qinghai Lake, Qinghai, China. Photos by the authors, H. de Kroon and M. Sampaio.