Question

In, Boerhaavia, fruit dispersal occurs due to presence of
a. Barbs
b. Hooks
c. Sticky glands
d. Hygroscopic hairs

Answer 1

Hint: As we know Boerhaavia is a part of Nyctaginaceae family. They are angiosperms which can be annuals or perennials. Some species of Boerhaavia are used in agricultural, horticultural and medicinal purposes. Boerhaavia can be recognized by its erect herbaceous habit. They are funnel shaped and they have paniculate inflorescence.

Complete answer:
Boerhaavia is a genus of Nyctaginaceae family which is also commonly known as Four o’ clock family. Boerhaavia are adapted to stick to the feathers or fur of the animal or birds passing through them. They tend to adhere to the jacket of animals and then disperse further away. This adhering property of Boerhaavia supports Zoochory. Zoochory is the dispersal of spores by animals. Zoochory can be of two types :- Endozoochory in which animals ingest the seeds of plants and then disperse it in various places. Epizoochory is in which seeds adhere to the outer jacket of animals and then disperse in various places. For this adhering property they tend to possess a gland like structure which secretes sticky substance. So the fruit dispersal occurs due to the presence of Sticky glands.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
Some species of Boerhaavia are found to have medicinal use. Boerhaavia diffusa occurs abundantly as weed throughout India. Boerhaavia diffusa is diffusely branched, pubescent and prostrate herb. The plant has an orthotropic and superimposed axis. B. diffusa is extensively used as an important constituent of several ayurvedic preparations such as Punarnava, Chyavanaprasha etc.

Note: Common name of Boerhaavia includes Spiderlings and Hogweeds. Spiderlings refers to the appearance of the species due to their long slender stems which look like a web of spiders. They are called Hogweeds because they grow with other plants as weeds in various parts of India. They were later found to have various medicinal properties.