Question

Free lateral stipules occur in
A.Mango/Mangifera
B.Maize/Zea
C.Rice /Oryza
D.China rose/ Hibiscus

Answer 1

Stipules refer to an outgrowth borne on either side of the base of a leafstalk or the petiole. It is not found in monocots but occurs in dicots.

Complete answer:
Stipules are said to be part of the flowering plant. However, in certain plants they are absent. The position of stipules on a plant varies from species to species. They are mostly located near the base of a leaf.

Stipules are mostly found on dicotyledons and in some monocotyledon plants possess stipule-like structures. There are different types of stipules present in plants such as lateral, ventral, scaly, intrapetiolar, interpetiolar, ochreate, spinous, tendrillar. The stipules protect the young leaf or leaf primordia.

In free lateral stipules, a pair of freely arranged stipules are present on either side of the leaf base. For example, China rose and cotton.

Thus, the correct option is D) China rose/ Hibiscus.

Note:
i) It is to be noted that leaves with stipules are called stipulate whereas leaves without stipules are called exstipulata. The function of stipules are as follows,
ii) They protect the growing lead or bud as it grows.
iii)Foliaceous stipules are used like leaves in order to make energy.
iv) They are also used as climbing tendrils in climbers.