vascular cambium of stem is

Options

A. partly primary and secondary meristem
B. primary meristem
C. secondary meristem
D. intercalary meristem

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Vascular Cambium**:
- The vascular cambium is a type of meristematic tissue found in vascular plants. It plays a crucial role in the secondary growth of stems and roots.

2. **Types of Meristems**:
- There are three main types of meristems:
- **Primary Meristem**: Responsible for the primary growth, which increases the length of the plant.
- **Secondary Meristem**: Responsible for secondary growth, which increases the thickness of the plant.
- **Intercalary Meristem**: Found at the base of leaves or internodes, contributing to growth in certain plants.

3. **Identifying the Type of Vascular Cambium**:
- The vascular cambium is classified as a secondary meristem because it is involved in the secondary growth of the plant. This growth is characterized by an increase in girth.

4. **Function of Vascular Cambium**:
- The vascular cambium produces secondary xylem (wood) towards the inside and secondary phloem towards the outside. This process contributes to the overall growth and structural integrity of woody plants.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the definitions and functions discussed, we conclude that the vascular cambium of the stem is a secondary meristem.

### Final Answer:
The vascular cambium of the stem is a **secondary meristem**.

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