Apical meristem

Growth habit

Category: Root, Stem – Cutting, and Tree | Related terms: Branch, Root, Stem, and Tree

Definition: Area of the plant shoot and root tips where cells actively divide to provide more cells that will expand and develop into the tissues and organs of the plant.

How it applies to plumeria: Apical meristem can describe how a plumeria grows as a woody tree or shrub, including branching, stem behavior, dormancy, internodes, and overall habit. Growth traits help separate compact, upright, lanky, spreading, and vigorous cultivars.

What to look for: Observe the whole plant over time, not just one branch. Note branching pattern, tip growth, seasonal leaf drop, container behavior, bloom habit, and whether the plant stays compact or becomes large and open.

Identification note: This term is one clue. A plumeria should be compared using all available traits, photos, source history, and growing context rather than a single characteristic.

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    Gibberellic acid (GA), a plumeria hormone stimulating plant growth and development, is a tetracyclic di-terpenoid compound...Learn More
  • Glossary: Shoot Meristem
    Shoot Meristem: The apex of a shoot where cells actively divide to provide more cells that will expand and develop into the tissues and organs of the... Plumeria context is explained on the term page.
  • Glossary: Shoot meristem
    Shoot meristem: The apex of a shoot where cells actively divide to provide more cells that will expand and develop into the tissues and organs of the... Plumeria context is explained on the term page.