What does the term 'intercalary meristem' refer to in grasses?

The term 'intercalary meristem' specifically refers to a type of meristematic tissue found in grasses that is responsible for growth at the base of the internodes, which contributes to stem elongation. This tissue allows grasses to rapidly grow after being grazed or cut, as it retains the ability to divide and produce new cells. This adaptability is crucial for grasses, enabling them to recover from damage and maintain their growth cycle efficiently.

Intercalary meristems are located between mature tissues, particularly at the nodes or the base of leaves. This positioning facilitates the elongation of stems without the necessity of having growth occurring solely at the tips, as is typical in many other plants. As such, the intercalary meristem plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of grasses by allowing them to exploit favorable growing conditions rapidly.