Growing back after a cut

The idea

The intercalary meristem, at the base of an internode (stem part between two nodes, the points where leaves or branches arise) or just above a node, lets plants regrow and branch after cutting or grazing.

A hedge after trimming

A gardener trims a hedge. A few weeks later it looks bushy again, with more branches than before.

Where do you think the new branches come from?

• From the nodes on the stems
• From the roots only
• From the cut leaves lying on the ground

Cut the tip

Press Tip cut, then Later.

Branching from the nodes

When the tip of a young stem is cut, the stem stops growing longer, but new branches arise from its nodes. This happens because of the intercalary meristem, which sits at the base of an internode or just above a node.

The intercalary meristem, at the base of an internode (the stem part between two nodes, the points where leaves or branches arise) or just above a node, lets plants regrow and branch after cutting or grazing.

Notes

The intercalary meristem, at the base of an internode or just above a node, lets plants regrow and branch after cutting or grazing.

Check yourself

What is a node?

Where is the intercalary meristem located?

The tip of a young stem is cut. What happens?

Grass grows again after it is mowed or grazed. Which tissue helps?

• A point on a stem where leaves or branches arise — correct. Yes!
• The part of a stem between two nodes. That part is called an internode.
• A growth zone at the tip of a root. A growth zone at a root tip is an apical meristem. A node is on the stem.
• At the tips of roots and shoots. Those are the places of the apical meristems.
• At the base of an internode, or just above a node — correct. Yes!
• In a ring around the stem. A ring of dividing cells in the stem is the lateral meristem.
• The stem keeps growing longer from the cut end. The tip held the growth zone for length. Once it is cut, the stem stops growing in length.
• The plant cannot make any new branches. New branches do arise from the nodes of the stem.
• The stem stops growing in length, but new branches arise from the nodes — correct. Yes!
• The intercalary meristem — correct. Yes!
• The apical meristem of the root tip. The apical meristem of a root tip makes the root longer. Regrowth of grass is due to the intercalary meristem.
• The lateral meristem. The lateral meristem increases the girth of the stem.