Question

Stem of date palm increases in girth due to activity of

• A. Intercalary meristem
• B. Apical meristem
• C. Lateral meristem
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Apical meristem

Most monocots either have no secondary growth or else anomalous secondary growth of some type. For example, palm trees increase their trunk diameter due to division and enlargement of parenchyma cells, which is termed as 'diffuse secondary growth'. In some other monocot stems with anomalous secondary growth, a cambium forms but it produces vascular bundles and parenchyma internally and just parenchyma externally. Some monocot stems increase in diameter due to the activity of a primary thickening meristem, which is derived from the apical meristem. Stem of date palm increases in girth due to activity of apical meristem and not because of intercalary meristem and lateral meristem (involves in normal secondary growth of dicots). Thus, option B is correct.