indefinite growth

The ability of certain plants or plant organs to show unlimited growth. For example, trees continue to grow each year and the leaves of monocotyledons grow throughout the life of the plant. The term is also used of racemose inflorescences, in which growth of the inflorescence is not terminated by the production of an apical flower bud but continues indefinitely. Meristems may also be said to exhibit indefinite growth. Compare definite growth. See also monopodial branching.