During years I have observed that banana plants show an abnormal and impressive growth of the central part (rolled leaves) after the cutting of their pseudo-stem. Its growth can be as fast 1 cm h-1, but only during the first day.
I have not found scientific articles describing this phenomena, have you?
http://www.promusa.org/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=602&display
Yes, this phenomenon is common with most of the monocots. This elongation of apical leaf can hardly be considered as a growth. It is due to development of tugur pressure in the basal part of the stem due to root pressure. When apical part of the stem removed there is a build up of root pressure in the basal part of the stem. You can see this scientifically if you fix the rice plant in the pressure chamber, cut the apical stem and increase the pressure in the chamber. This results in protruding of apical leaf.
Excelent answer. I will search for articles to this respect, i.e. rice.
I would like to mention that the impressive growth of a fresh cut pseudo-stem is also present in in vitro banana cultures eventhough without roots.
According to that answers, this behaviour could be a combination of physiological effect and growth.
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