Abstract
This review highlights key historical works and the recent research on the monocot lateral meristems. It discusses the terminological issues (elucidating the terminological inconsistency found in the literature concerned), origination of secondary meristems, their morphology and characteristic features of the derivative tissues. Also the monocot cambium response to hormonal and gravitational stimuli is discussed. The summarized inputs in the present note are believed to renew interest in this field, which is important for a more comprehensive understanding of the abnormal secondary growth in the monocotyledons.
Highlights
Occurrence of secondary growth due to the activity of two laterally positioned meristems, viz. the vascular cambium and the phellogen is a common feature of the gymnosperms and dicotyledons
The peculiar monocot cambium produces secondary growth that can be considered as a true secondary growth (Fisher, 1973; Fisher et al, 1974; DeMason, 1994) because it is the product of divisional activity of a secondary meristem (Tomlinson & Zimmermann, 1969 and earlier workers)
The two meristematic tissues responsible for the secondary growth in the monocot species differ from the vascular cambium and the cork cambium of conifers and dicotyledons
Summary
Occurrence of secondary growth due to the activity of two laterally positioned meristems, viz. the vascular cambium and the phellogen (cork cambium) is a common feature of the gymnosperms and dicotyledons. We will discuss in particular (a) the terminological issues, (b) development of secondary meristems, (c) their morphology, (d) the characteristics of derivative tissues, and (e) the response of monocot cambium to hormonal and gravitational stimuli This summary of information on the secondary growth in monocotyledons can initiate discussion on the issues that have so far been enigmatic. The German term etagen and its English counterpart storied that appear frequently in descriptions of the monocot secondary growth, have been used to underline the temporary form of the monocot meristems These are zones of cells that do not form a continuous radial file in transverse view due to lack of permanent initials (Schoute, 1902). The peculiar monocot cambium produces secondary growth that can be considered as a true secondary growth (Fisher, 1973; Fisher et al, 1974; DeMason, 1994) because it is the product of divisional activity of a secondary meristem (Tomlinson & Zimmermann, 1969 and earlier workers)
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