Question

Phylloclade and cladodes commonly occur in
(A) Liliaceae
(B) Solanaceae
(C) Malvaceae
(D) Papilionaceae

Answer 1

Hint: Phylloclade is a type of flattened branch that has many nodes and internodes. It is a leaf like structure. The phylloclade stem becomes leafy and fleshy. It is a commonly occurring condition in opuntia. Cladode is a type of modified stem. It is fleshy and green in nature. It is a leaf like structure. This structure arises from the axil of the leaves.

Complete answer:
Now let us find some differences between two structures:-

Phylloclade	Cladode
It is the structure in which stem and also the main branch terminates into a leaf-like flattened structure.	It is the structure in which only the branch terminates into a leaf-like flattened structure.
Main stem performs a role in phylloclade.	Main stem does not perform a role in the clade.
It contains both nodes and internodes.	It contains only internodes.
Many nodes and internodes are present.	One long internode only.
True leaves are present as caducous.	True leaves are present as spines.

Now let us match this with given options:-
(A) Liliaceae :- this is commonly known as Lili family. The members of family Liliaceae have branched or unbranched stems. These stems are modified as phylloclades as in Ruscus or cladode as present in the Asparagus.
(B)Solanaceae :- this is commonly known as potato family. They have erect branches. The stem is usually climbing type . The stem is not modified into fleshy structure phylloclade or cladode.
Malvaceae :- the stem of this family is usually herbaceous. It is woody in form. The stem is usually branched with erect branches and has stellate hairs. The stem is not modified into fleshy structure phylloclade or cladode.
Papilionaceae :- the stem of this family is generally erect and climbing. The stem climbs by the means of structure commonly known as tendrils. The stem is branched and woody. The stem is not modified into fleshy structure phylloclade or cladode.

Our required option is A) Liliaceae.

Note: Plants present in arid regions modify their stem to form flattened and leaf-like cylindrical fleshy structure called a phylloclade. These structures are usually green in colour because they have photosynthetic pigment present in them. These structures have unlimited growth. They perform the function of photosynthesis. Flattened are present in opuntia and fleshy cylindrical structure are present in euphorbia.