Question

Differentiate between phylloclade and cladode.

Answer 1

Phylloclade is a type of flattened branch that has many nodes and internodes . It is a leaf like structure . The phylloclade stem becomes leafy and fleshy. It is a commonly occurring condition in opuntia. Cladode is a type of modified stem . It is fleshy and green in nature . It is a leaf like structure . This structure arises from the axil of the leaves.

Complete answer:

Phylloclade	Cladode
It is the structure in which stem and also main branch terminates into leaf like flattened structure	It is the structure in which only branch terminates into leaf like flattened structure
Main stem perform role in phylloclade	Main stem do not perform role in cladode
It contains both nodes and internodes	It contains only internodes
Many nodes and internodes are present.	One long internode only.
True leaves are present as caducous.	True leaves are present as spines.
It is present in Asparagus and Ruscus.	It is present in opuntia and euphorbia.
Phylloclade has mucilage	Cladodes do not have mucilage.

Note: Plants present in arid regions modify their stem to form flattened and leaf-like cylindrical fleshy structure called a phylloclade. These structures are usually green in colour because they have photosynthetic pigment present in them. These structures have unlimited growth. They perform the function of photosynthesis. Flattened are present in opuntia and fleshy cylindrical structure are present in euphorbia.