Both the superparabolic and hybrid catenary-parabolic equations provide robust descriptions of SAM and RAM profiles, perhaps reflecting a convergence in apical meristem geometry across otherwise divergent vascular plant lineages. This quantitative approach offers a potential tool for comparing meristem geometry and shape that can be extended to the study of nonvascular plants to increase our understanding of plant form, evolution, and meristem functionality.
Shi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.