Question

Which of the following has opposite phyllotaxy?
A) Mint
B) Rose
C) Castor
D) Tulsi

Answer 1

Phyllotaxy of a plant is the study of arrangement of leaves on an axis or stem.The term ‘phyllotaxy’ was coined by Charles Bonet.
Complete answer:
Types of phyllotaxy:
There are three types of phyllotaxy-

Alternate phyllotaxy
Opposite phyllotaxy
Whorled phyllotaxy

1. Alternate phyllotaxy:Alternate phyllotaxy is the arrangement of leaves.In this type of phyllotaxy, a single leaf occurs at each node in an alternate manner.It is a special type of arrangement in which there is only one leaf at a node.Example –this type of phyllotaxy is shown by the china rose, barberry, black walnut, Castor, Sunflower etc.
2. Opposite phyllotaxy: Opposite phyllotaxy is a type of leaf arrangement in which a pair of leaves arise at each node opposite to each other.Example- this type of phyllotaxy is shown by guava, Calotropis, olive leaves, mint etc.
3. Whorled phyllotaxy:Whorled phyllotaxy is a type of arrangement in which more than two leaves arise at a node and form a whorl.Example – Alstonia, Nerium, tulsi, etc.
   Therefore, it has been clear from the above discussion that Mint among all the given options has opposite phyllotaxy.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Note: The study of phyllotaxy is used to describe the arrangement of leaves on a plant. Phyllotaxy (leaf arrangement) is the distinctive feature of plant species. Phyllotaxy helps taxonomists to describe the characters of any plant by observing its leaves.