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What is the difference between apical meristems and lateral meristems?

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Tall baobab trees with thick, cylindrical trunks and broad canopies line a dirt road in Madagascar, surrounded by green vegetation under a blue sky. — Plant Grandidier's baobas (*Adansonia grandidieri*) in Madagascar.

The primary difference between apical and lateral meristems lies in their location and the type of growth they facilitate within a plant.

Apical Meristems: These are located at the tips of roots and shoots. They are responsible for primary growth, which involves the extension and elongation of the plant body. Through the production of primary tissues, apical meristems allow the plant to grow longer and develop new structures like leaves and buds.123
Lateral Meristems: Also known as secondary meristems, these are found along the length of stems and roots. They are responsible for secondary growth, which is an increase in the plant's girth and thickness. Lateral meristems, such as the vascular cambium and cork cambium, produce secondary tissues that develop after an organ has ceased to elongate.13

In summary, while apical meristems drive the vertical and longitudinal expansion of the plant, lateral meristems facilitate the lateral expansion or thickening of the plant body.13