secondary growth

secondary growth

n.

Growth in vascular plants from production of secondary tissues by a lateral meristem, usually resulting in wider branches and stems.

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secondary growth

Growth in vascular plants resulting from the production of layers of secondary tissue by a lateral meristem (the cork cambium or the vascular cambium). The new tissue accumulates and results in thicker branches and stems. Secondary growth occurs in gymnosperms, most eudicots, and woody magnoliids (such as the magnolia). Most monocots and herbaceous plants undergo little or no secondary growth but simply stop growing when their primary tissues mature. Compare primary growth.