Interkalær

Interkalær, in botany, refers to intercalary meristem, a type of plant tissue capable of continued longitudinal growth at sites away from the apical tips. In many monocotyledons, especially grasses, intercalary meristems are located at the bases of leaves and along internodes, where they contribute to the elongation of leaves and stems as the plant grows.

The primary function of interkalær meristem is to enable rapid replenishment and regrowth after damage or grazing. Because these meristematic cells lie away from the shoot apex, removal of apical tissue does not necessarily halt elongation; the intercalary region can resume cell division and extend affected organs from their bases. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for grasses and forage crops, which are frequently subjected to mowing, grazing, or rolling by herbivores.

Structurally, interkalary meristem consists of small, densely cytoplasmic cells with high mitotic activity. As cells divide, later stages involve differentiation and elongation, producing new tissue that lengthens leaves or internodes. The result is a plant capable of continued leaf area expansion and rapid recovery after damage, contributing to survival in competitive or herbivore-rich environments.

Interkalær meristem is contrasted with apical meristems at shoot and root tips and with lateral meristems responsible for secondary growth. While most dicots rely less on intercalary growth, many grasses and other monocots depend on interkalær tissue for their characteristic vigor and resilience.