Question

An example of whorled phyllotaxy
A. Kaner
B. Rose
C. Mint
D. Marigold

Answer 1

The pattern of arrangement of leaves on a plant stem is called phyllotaxis. Various types of phyllotaxy are seen in different plant species. The most common types are the opposite and alternate. But spiral phyllotaxy is unique. It is characterized by the arrangement of leaves in a spiral. An example of whorled phyllotaxy is a plant bearing yellow umbrella-shaped flowers.

Complete answer: In botany, the term phyllotaxy refers to the pattern of arrangement of leaves on a stem. The fashion in which leaves are arranged on a stem is different for different plant species. Some taxonomists use this character of plants to classify them in particular taxa. The most common type of phyllotaxy seen in plants is opposite and alternate. The opposite phyllotaxy is characterized by the arrangement of leaves on a stem in a way that each leaf faces the other on its opposite side. Each of the opposite nodes of the stem produces a single leaf. This is seen in guava and mint plants. The alternate phyllotaxy is where each node on the stem appears in an alternate way. One leaf is situated above the other but on the opposite side. Such a type of phyllotaxy is evident in the rose plant. The leaves appear to be arranged in a consecutive manner. Spiral phyllotaxy is a unique type where a single node appears to produce two or more leaves arranged in a spiral. It is also called whorled phyllotaxy as the leaves form whorls like petals of a flower. It is seen in Kaner and tulsi. Kaner is a flowering plant that bears bright yellow-coloured flowers having umbrella shape.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Note: The whorled phyllotaxy is the most unusual type of phyllotaxy. It is predominant in only those plants that have short nodes or internodes. A whorl can be a basal structure in which the leaves are attached to the base of the shoot. The internodes are a non-existent type or are very small. A basal whorl having several leaves spread out in a circle fashion, then it is called a rosette.