Which type of meristematic tissue gives rise to leaves and stems?

The shoot apical meristem is responsible for the growth of leaves and stems in plants. Located at the tips of stems and branches, this type of meristematic tissue produces cells that will differentiate into various tissues, including those that form leaves and stem elongation. The shoot apical meristem is key for primary growth, allowing the plant to grow in height and to develop the leafy structures essential for photosynthesis.

In contrast, other types of meristems serve different functions. The root apical meristem is found at the tips of roots and is crucial for root growth. Lateral meristems, such as the vascular cambium and cork cambium, are involved in secondary growth, contributing to the thickening of stems and roots but not directly responsible for producing new leaves or the upward growth of stems. Intercalary meristems are located at the base of internodes and leaf blades and play a role in the growth of specific plant parts, primarily in some monocots, but they are not the primary source for the development of leaves and stems compared to the shoot apical meristem.