Secondary Growth in Monocots

BananaSAM240.jpg (22328 bytes)
Surprise!!!!!!

CordXX-SS.jpg (123398 bytes)
Lecture Directory

EmbryonicBundle240_small.jpg (3833 bytes)
Next Page

We often teach undergraduates that monocots do not have secondary growth. However, when you look at many Palms it becomes obvious that they must
have some way to reinforce their stems and conduct water from the roots to the shoot apex.

Furthermore, Palm leaves can be extremely complex & gigantic. Consequently, they need a good water transport system to prevent desiccation. Coconut Palm and other arborescent monocots have a unique form of secondary growth in regard to Vascular Tissues in stems.


They also have a Periderm on Stems & Roots.

CocosNucifera-300.jpg (48033 bytes)
Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm)

Hawaiian ti (Cordyline sp.) & hala (Pandanus) have secondary growth as well.

PandanusHabitat240.jpg (58106 bytes)

Pandanus (hala)Windward Oahu

Ti.jpg (42120 bytes)
Hawaiian ti (Cordyline sp.)

WB01342_.gif (412 bytes)