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Definition

noun

The xylem that is last to form or develop, characterized by broader tracheary elements and weblike or pitted surfaces.

Supplement

The metaxylem forms later after protoxylem has formed. In a young stem, the protoxylem consists of tracheary element with annular or spiral thickenings, hence, capable of stretching or elongating (for stem growth). As the stem gets older, the stem stops elongating and the tracheary elements become more filled in.

Compare: primary xylem