Question

Corm, is used as a means of vegetative multiplication in
A. Ginger x
B. Gladiolus
C. Banana
D. Pineapple

Answer 1

Hint: Plants can reproduce asexually and sexually. The asexually reproducing plants have various parts of the body that will form the new offsprings. These can be adventitious buds, root cuttings, rhizome, corms etc. Some plants are underground, that is they grow at the surface level. They can be creepers or runners.

Complete answer:
What is corm? It is a small swollen, vertical underground plant stem. It serves as a storage organ to survive extreme conditions. It is a condensed rhizome grown in the vertical direction.
What is vegetative multiplication?
Option A: Ginger: It is formed from the rhizome. It has underground swollen roots.
Option B: Gladiolus: It has rhizome axillary buds in the scale leaves. These will give daughter corms which will have adventitious roots. They will develop into a new plant when they are planted in moist soil.
Option C: Banana: It is developed from the inflorescence. The female flowers on the true stem mature to give fruit which is formed without seeds and fertilization.
Option D: Pineapple: They are produced from the crowns. It is a perennial plant which dies on reproducing via suckers. These suckers will give rise to new plants and fruit.

So the answer is option B: Gladiolus.

Note: Gladiolus has erect stem up to 2-5 feet. Leaves of these plants are plain or cruciform. They have colourful flowers. They blossom during July and august mostly. They attract bees and wasps for pollination. They can be produced by seeds and corms. This flower symbolizes infatuation, honour and trust. It is a perennial plant.