Question

Bryophyllum can be reproduced by its
(a) Stem
(b) Leaves
(c) Roots
(d) Flower

Answer 1

 
Hint: Bryophyllum is an angiosperm plant that is naturally present in many tropical areas. It exhibits the phenomenon of vegetative reproduction. It reproduces using the somatic part of the plant which helps in the production of food through photosynthesis.

Complete answer:
Vegetative reproduction is A method of multiplication in plants, where a somatic part of the plant such as a leaf, stem, etc, detaches from the parent plant body and develops a new independent plant under suitable conditions.

In Bryophyllum, the leaves of this plant have adventitious buds that help the plant to reproduce vegetatively. These adventitious buds arise from the notches present on the leaf margins. These buds germinate into a new plant when the leaf falls onto the ground and the condition is favorable for the growth of the plant.

So, the correct answer is, “Leaves”

Additional Information:
- Vegetative reproduction in plants occurs through many different parts, in different plants.
- Many plants naturally undergo this process, but it can also be induced artificially in many plants.
- Naturally, it can be reproduced through roots and stems in the form of runners, bulbs, tubers, corms, suckers, etc. They are also reproduced directly as plantlets as seen in the Bryophyllum leaf margins.
- The artificial methods of vegetative production include cutting, grafting, layering, tissue culture, etc.

Note:
- These plantlets or the adventitious buds arise due to the mitosis of meristematic tissues present in the notches of the leaves.
- Many species of the Kalanchoe too which Bryophyllum belongs to, are economically very important. They produce many cardiotoxic side effects in sheep and the cattle, and some diseases that affect the nervous system and muscles.