Regions of actively dividing cells located between mature tissues, commonly found at the base of grass leaves and internodes. This allows continued growth even after the tips have been damaged or removed.
From Latin 'intercalaris' (inserted between) and Greek 'meristos' (divisible), referring to meristematic tissue inserted between mature regions. The term emerged in the 20th century as botanists studied grass growth patterns.
Intercalary meristems are why you can mow your lawn and it keeps growing back - they're located at the base of grass blades where the mower can't reach them! This is also why bamboo can grow so incredibly fast, sometimes over 3 feet in a single day, because it has intercalary meristems in every segment.
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