The Stem

Apical, intercalary and lateral meristems are the primary meristems (which are derived directly from the meristems of embryo).Apical meristems are present at the tips of stem, root and their branches. They produce growth in length.Intercalary meristems are commonly found at the bases of leaves, above or below the nodes. They help in elongation of the organs. Lateral meristems occur on the sides and take part in increasing girth (or diameter) of the stem of the plant. Only one type of primary lateral meristem is found in plants i.e. intrafascicular cambium. It lies in vascularbundles of dicot and gymnosperm stems in between phloem and xylem.Parenchyma is a simple permanent living tissue which performs a number of functions such as storage, conduction, secretion etc.