Question

Differentiate between phyllode and phylloclade.

Answer 1

Hint: Phyllode is modified petioles or leaf stem. It is leaf like structure in appearance and function. It is an adaptation to reduce water loss and it is present in Australian acacia.
Phylloclade: It is aerial modification of stem. In this, the stem becomes flattened, muscular, leaf-like structure and photosynthesizes and the leaves are transformed into thorns. This is called phylloclade. example Opuntia.

Complete answer:
 In this question, we have asked to differentiate between phyllode and phylloclade. The major difference between phyllode and phylloclade are following:

Sr. No.	Phyllode	Phylloclade
1.	Phyllode is modified petioles or leaf stem. It is leaf like structure in appearance and function. It is an adaptation to reduce water loss.	It is an aerial modification of a stem. In this, the stem becomes flattened, muscular, leaf-like structure and photosynthesizes and the leaves are transformed into thorns. This is called phylloclade.
2.	Axillary buds are present at the axil.	Axillary buds are not present
3.	Nodes and internodes are not present	Nodes and internodes are present
4.	Growth is limited.	Unlimited growth
5.	They do not take part in vegetative reproduction.	Vegetative reproduction can occur between them.
6.	It does not bear flowers and buds.	It bears flowers and buds.
7.	Branches are not present	Branches may present
8.	Spines are not present	Spines are present
9.	Scaly leaves are absent.	Scaly leaves are present
10.	Example- Australian Acacia	Example- Opuntia

There is one more modification in plants like phyllode and phylloclade: Cladode. Cladodes are shoot systems in which leaves do not develop; rather, the stems become flattened and assume the photosynthetic functions of the plant. Cladode is little different from phylloclade as classes are a phylloclade with one or two internodes only. It resembles a leaf.

Note:
There is one more modification in plants like phyllode and phylloclade: Cladode. Cladodes are shoot systems in which leaves do not develop; rather, the stems become flattened and assume the photosynthetic functions of the plant. Cladode is little different from phylloclade as classes are a phylloclade with one or two internodes only. It resembles a leaf.