Question

Leaf tip tendrils are present in
A) Smilax
B) Lathyrus
C) Pisum
D) Gloriosa

Answer 1

Leaf tip tendril is the modified leaf or leaf part which is found in the weak-stemmed plants. They provide mechanical support to the plant and help it in climbing.

Complete answer:
Tendrils are thin thread-like structures which are present in the climbing plants. Tendrils are found as modified leaves or leaflets, leaf tips or leaf stipules. It may also be found as a modified stem.
Let us discuss the options given in the question.
-Smilax- The stipule is modified into tendrils called the tendrillar stipules.
-Lathyrus- The entire leaf is modified into tendril.
-Pisum- The upper leaflets are modified into tendrils.
-Gloriosa- The leaf tip is modified as tendril. It is a herb which can go upto the height of 3 meters. It climbs over the other plant by the help of tendrils.

Thus the correct answer is (D). Leaf tip tendrils are present in Gloriosa.

Note: Stem tendril is a modified stem whereas leaf tendril is a modified leaf. Tendrils occur as thread-like structures which do not have a lamina or a blade. They grow in the direction of the thing which they are going to hold for support. They are green in colour and are capable of carrying out photosynthesis. The parasitic plants use the tendrils for cellular invasion into the host.