Modelling of plant structure and growth has undergone major changes in the last few decades. Two major lines of research have been pursued: the integration of ecophysiological knowledge in process-based models which usually lack a description of plant topology and geometry, and the generation of 3-D virtual plants using morphogenetic models, which simulate the architectural development in a stable and homogeneous environment. There is now a trend to merge these two approaches i.e. to link plant architecture and function. This trend is based on the recognition that plant structure: (i) is the joint output of physiological processes and the morphogenetic programme of the plant, (ii) determines its external environment and regulates its functioning accordingly (iii) directly conditions the physiological processes within the plant e.g. allocation of photosynthates. Therefore, double regulation of the ecophysiological processes by the plant and its neighbours, and of the morphogenetic program by the availability of the internal and external resources produced or consumed by these physiological processes, is explicitly considered in the same model. Such an approach is being implemented in the software, AMAPpara, which simulates the parallel functioning and growth of plants which interact with each other. AMAPpara also includes an architectural description of aerial and root systems. The plant morphogenetic program is a priori parameterised according to the selected species i.e. topology, geometry and allometric relationships are considered for botanical elements such as leaves, as well as the maximum life-span of leaves and roots etc. The actual architectural development of the plant is then regulated by physical constraints e.g. competition for space and light, and physiological processes e.g. water transpiration and carbon assimilation. Such processes themselves depend on the structure and biophysical environment of the plant e.g. internal hydraulic architecture, compet