Question

What type of meristem is found only in monocots, such as lawn grasses? Explain how this type of meristematic tissue is beneficial in lawn grasses that are mowed each week.

Short answer

Intercalary meristem.

Due to rapid cell growth, intercalary meristem allows the grass to re-grow in the case of lawn grasses.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 : Introduction

Meristematic tissues are the type of tissues that contribute to the continuous growth and division of cells for plant growth. Based on their location, meristematic tissues are categorized into three types:

• Apical meristem: these types of meristematic tissues are generally present in the shoot and root of the plant and help in the elongation of the shoot and root system.

• Lateral meristem: these types generally give the stem and root girth and thickness by increasing the diameter.

• Intercalary meristem: generally found in leaf blade and at nodes from where the leaves are attached to the stem.

Step-2 : Explanation

In monocots such as grass, the base of the leaf blade and the nodes are generally packed by intercalary meristematic tissue. The continuous cell division allows the plant to grow rapidly and allows the plant's regrowth. Intercalary meristems are the type of meristematic tissue that are found in monocots such as lawn grass.

Meristematic tissues are known for continuous cell division and rapid growth of the region. Intercalary meristems are present at the base of leaf blades of lawn grasses, and it allows the grass to grow again even after the loss of the upper part by grazing and cutting or mowing. Therefore, the intercalary meristem helps rapid cell division and allows the grasses to regrow from the ground.