Question

Give an example of Variegated leaf.

Answer 1

Hint: Variegation is the phenomenon of development of different color zones on the surfaces of leaves, stems and other parts in the plants. But, the variegated leaves occur rarely in plants. These types of plants dwell in the tropical rainforests. Color zones exhibit white, gold, cream and silver as popular colors, though red, orange, purple and green can also be seen

Complete answer
Most of the plants have green leaves due to the presence of chlorophyll. Yet, in some plants, leaves are partly white and partly green. Green part of the leaf consists of chlorophyll, but the white part is devoid of chlorophyll. So, the green part can only perform photosynthesis, while the other part is not able to do photosynthesis. This type of leaves, containing partly white color and partly green color, are called variegated leaves. Examples of plants having variegated leaves are coleus and croton.
Variegated types of leaves can be often found in parks and gardens. Another example is Euonymus microphylla. The chlorophyll pigment is present in patches of the leaf. Pineapple and basil also have shoe variegation. The leaves exhibit more than one color, in streaks or patches.
Variegated leaves are in the shape of spots, lines, splashes or complex designs, which are patterned or edged with different colors. Hairs are colored distinctly from the leaf color, creating reflective variegation. In the Begonia species, this is observed.

Note:
Variegation is due to optical effects caused by light from the reflecting surface of the leaf. This can happen when the air layer is present under the epidermis, which results in the reflection of silver or white. It is also referred to as blister multiplication. Chameleon plant, hedging bamboo are also examples of plants having variegated leaves.