Question

A compound leaf which appears simple due to suppression of 1- 2 lateral leaflets Is found in
A) Hardwickia
B) Parkinsonia
C) Citrus
D) Coriandrum

Answer 1

Hint:-When a single leaf is attached to the pedicle without being divided into leaflets we call it a simple leaf. When two or more leaflets extend from the midrib we call it a compound leaf. The leaflet can also be called the blades of the leaf. Sometimes we observe that a leaflet itself behaves as a compound leaf.

Complete Answer:-
A compound leaf may appear as simple if the leaflets overlap or if some of the leaflets get suppressed giving it an appearance of a simple leaf. Hardwickia has compound Leaves. Each leaf has two leaflets divided at the midrib just like the presentation of a bilobed structure. The leaves of Coriandrum are also clearly compound.
Parkinsonia leaves are in the form of numerous small leaflets that are in it and sometimes bipinnate and are not simple. A citrus leaf is a nonfoliated and palmate compound leaf. The leaflets on the lateral side get suppressed and are reduced. Only the central leaflet functions as a leaf. This gives the appearance of a simple leaf which is represented by the central leaflet.
Thus, the right option is C.

Note:- This representation of a palmate compound leaf which behaves as a simple leaf because of the central leaflet is known as a unifoliate compound leaf. Compound leaves have the advantage of having a reduced surface area which decreases the wind resistance, transpiration and thus the water loss. Rose, neem and cotton are other examples of plants having compound leaves.