Question

Thorns with leaves and flowers are found in
A. Bougainvillea
B. Carissa
C. Duranta
D. Artabotrys

Answer 1

Hint: Thorns are sharp-pointed structures that are a modified branch and often arise from the main stem at leaf axils. This genus contains 17 species and is native to Florida, Mexico and South America.

Complete answer: The thorn sometimes bears leaves and flowers as found in Duranta. Thorns not only reduce the water loss during the process of transpiration but also protects the plant from animals as well. In Duranta, the axillary bud is modified into a thorn and it is a genus of flowering plants in the verbena family. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small trees that have shiny rich green leaves and the flowers are light- blue or lavender that is produced on the terminal and axillary stem in tight cluster form and bloom throughout the year. Duranta is 2 to 15 feet tall, 5 feet wide and a flowering shrub that is suitable for the border areas and living hedges. It is multi-stemmed and the branches are somewhere droopy. The stem bears sharp thorns. The plant grows at a rate of up to half a metre per year. The leaves and berries of the plant are poisonous that can be fatal for living beings. Moreover, Duranta tolerates a wide range of pH levels and soil textures. It requires a lot of warmth from the sun.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Note: Duranta is widely grown as an ornamental in subtropical and tropical regions. It is registered as an invasive weed by many councils of Australia. It is a prolific, fast-growing weed that is spread by birds from domestic areas to natural reserves.