A meristem is the bit that grows.
The Apical meristem is what becomes a growing tip and eventually a bud
It's like a stem cell. Undifferentiated, i.e. it can become any kind of cell.
When a meristem-cell becomes a certain type of cell, it has differentiated.
Spittlebugs bite tiny holes in the growing tip when it's really small,
so when it grows out, you see little holes in the new leaves.
Looks like caterpillars, but it's not.
The new growth is perfect, but the holes grow bigger with the affected leaves.
They are still healthy, just closer to God (holy)
The Adults also suck a lil' sap, but not like aphids (which they eat)
I like them and just wash off the spittle and larvae with clean water in a spray-bottle.
I've only had them outside in the greenhouse.
Hope that helped
