Question

Which one of the following plants reproduces vegetatively by epiphyllous buds?
A. Sweet potato
B. Potato
C. Onion
D. Kalanchoe

Answer 1

Vegetative reproduction refers to the reproduction that occurs through the vegetative parts of the plant. This means that reproduction occurs from parts other than the sexual organs.

Complete answer: Plants have two kinds of buds with them. These two types of buds are the nodal buds and the adventitious buds. The nodal buds are present at the nodes whereas, the adventitious buds are present at places other than the nodes. Adventitious buds are of three kinds. These three kinds are the Foliar buds, Cauline buds, and Radical buds. The Foliar buds are present over the leaves. This is because the leaves of several plants have adventitious buds that help in the asexual reproduction via vegetative means. One such example is the Kalanchoe plant. Moreover, Kalanchoe is found in the desert. It is a succulent plant that stores and conserves water. In the Kalanchoe , the adventitious buds arise from the margins of the leaves. These buds are known as the Epiphyllous buds. Epiphyllous buds are present on the adaxial surface of the leaves. The buds detach from the leaves and fall on the soil and grow into new plants.
Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that the Kalanchoe plant reproduces vegetatively by the epiphyllous buds.
Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The nodal buds are found in the nodes of the plants. There are two kinds of nodal buds. These two kinds of nodal buds are the axillary buds and the extra-axillary buds. The axillary buds are found in the axil of the leaves. On the other hand, the extra-axillary buds are found away from the axil.