What does the term 'meristematic' refer to in horticulture?

The term 'meristematic' refers specifically to tissues that are actively dividing and are responsible for new growth in plants. Meristematic cells are found in the meristems, which are regions of undifferentiated cells that can develop into various types of tissues. This includes the apical meristems at the tips of roots and shoots, allowing for elongation and increase in height or length, as well as lateral meristems, which contribute to the thickness of stems and roots.

Understanding the role of meristematic tissues is crucial in horticulture because they are essential for the plant's growth and development. This knowledge aids horticulturists in practices such as propagation, where maximizing new growth from meristematic tissues can lead to healthier plants and more effective cultivation strategies. The other options, while related to plant growth in different contexts, do not encapsulate the specific role of meristematic cells in producing new growth.