Question

Phylloclade and cladode both are aerial modification of the stem. Justify with examples.

Answer 1

Hint: Aerial stem modifications are forms of modifications to the aerial stems, vegetative buds as well as floral buds of green plants growing in various conditions along with performing functions like climbing, protection, synthesis of food, or vegetative propagation.

Complete answer:
Phylloclade is a specialized photosynthetic stem found mostly in xerophytes. It is a green, flattened or cylindrical shape that has distinct nodes as well as internodes.
Cladodes is a modification of stem along with branches of limited growth. It has one internode as well as it is cylindrical, the leaf-like shape that performs photosynthesis.

Phylloclade and cladodes are flattened, photosynthetic shoots that are normally considered to be modified branches. The two words are used either differently or interchangeably by various authors. Phylloclade, a genus of conifer, is titled after these structures. Phylloclade’s or cladode have been identified as fossils dating from as early as the Permian.

Both these terms "phylloclade" and "cladode" are defined differently. It is proven that they are flattened structures that are photosynthetic as well as resemble leaf-like branches.
In one definition, phylloclades are a subset of cladodes, titled those that greatly resemble or perform duties and functions of leaves.

By an alternative precision, cladodes are renowned by their limited growth and development along with that they involve only one or two internodes. According to this definition, some of the most leaf-like shapes are cladodes, rather than phylloclades. By this definition it is concluded Phyllanthus has a phylloclade, but Cuscus as well as Asparagus have cladodes.

The examples of Phyllanthus and cladodes are Ruscus and Asparagus. These are aerial segments as can be visible in the erect chunk of the stem but difficult to determine the reason these are also called metamorphosed stem.
Other examples of Phyllanthus are Opuntia and Cocoloba.

Note: Aerial stem shape which undergo modifications to perform some special role and functions include tendrils, thorns, hooks, phylloclade, tuberous stems as well as bulbils. The auxiliary or the terminal part of the modified form w their stem nature.