Question

Which one of the following possesses winged petiole?
A. Citrus
B. Bombax
C. Acacia
D. Asparagus

Answer 1

Petiole is a stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the branch or stem. Petiole is responsible for the movement of leaves.

Complete Answer:
Types of petioles:
There are many types of petioles. They are –
1. Tendrillar petiole: The petioles that are modified into tendrils are called tendrillar petioles. Tendrils help in climbing. Example – Clematis, tropaeolum, etc.

2. Winged petiole: Winged petiole is a type of petiole which is characterised by the presence of thin flags of tissues along the complete length of the petiole. Winged petioles are generally green and flattened petioles. Example – Citrus, Dioneae, etc.

3. Leaf like petiole: Leaf like petiole is called phyllode. Phyllode is flat, green and lamina like petiole. Example – Acacia auriculate formis.

4. Swollen or spongy petiole: The petiole becomes swollen and spongy due to the development of aerenchyma in them. These types of petioles encloses air and helps the plant to float. Example – Trapa bispinosa and Eichhornia.

5. Spinous petiole: Sometimes the petiole becomes very hard and spiny. These spines help in protection. Example – Quisqualis (Rangoon creeper).

Hence, option A is the correct option for this question.

Note: The leaves that do not have petiole are called as apetiolate. And the leaves that have petiole are called petiolate. The petiole gives a characteristic foliage arrangement to the plant. The petiole makes the leaf able to twist to face the Sun.