Question
Biology Question on morphology of flowering plants
Identify in order, the plants showing alternate, opposite and whorled phyllotaxy
A
China Rose, Colotropis, Nerium
B
China Rose, Nerium, Calotropis
C
Nerium, China Rose, Calotropis
D
Nerium, Calotropis, China Rose
Answer
China Rose, Colotropis, Nerium
Explanation
Solution
Phyllotaxy means the arrangement of leaves on both stem and branches. Mainly the leaves are arranged in three ways:
Alternate: In this, each node gives rise to signal leaf and these are arranged alternately giving a spiral form (e.g., mango, china rose etc).
Opposite: In this, each node gives rise to two leaves arranged opposite to each other.
It can be opposite superposed (e.g., lxora) or opposite decussate (e.g., Ocimum, Calotropis prosera)