Plants grow in girth through the activity of lateral meristem present along the stem circumference. These actively dividing cells produce new cells inside and outside, increasing stem thickness and forming annual growth rings in woody plants gradually.
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Plants increase in girth because of lateral meristematic tissue found along the circumference of stems and roots. The cells divide continuously and add new cells on both sides, causing the stem to become thicker. In woody plants, this growth forms annual rings. Lateral meristem helps strengthen plants and supports increasing size as they mature over time.
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