Question

Type of stem modification found in zaminkand is
A. Scale leaves
B. Rhizome
C. Corm
D. 1 and 3

Answer 1

Hint: Different plants have different types of stem modifications depending on their surrounding environment. Zaminkand is mainly found in regions close to the equator. The stems of this species grow vertically downward. They have small, leathery leaves. It is the world’s largest unbranched inflorescence.

Complete answer:
The Zaminkand is also called Amorphophallus titanum. It is found as an understory plant in the rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia, very close to the equator and also on the steep limestone hillsides of the Barisan mountain range. The temperature and humidity in this region remain constant. The temperature in daytime is about 80 - 90⁰C. The single giant leaf feeds from the large underground tubes. During the each life cycle, it can double in weight and after 8-10 years it become massive between 20 – 300 pounds.
The plant's shooting mechanism includes shoot. The stem modification in zaminkand is observed as a vertically growing underground stem. This is observed in potatoes. The stems carry leaves, flowers and buds. Types of underground stems are: Bulb-short (modified as thick, fleshy scales) such as Tulips, daffodils, and lilies. Corm-short, are fleshy stems covered with small, dry, leathery leaves. Nodes and internodes are present in this type of stems.
Rhizome has a reduced scale of leaves. Top of the stem produces leafy branches and the bottom can produce roots. Stolon grows runners (roots) above the ground. They have horizontal stems that run below the surface or at the surface. The ends of the roots can grow new plants.
Tuber is the swollen fleshy end of the stem. They can form either from rhizomes or thickened roots.
Many underground stems such as onion, potatoes, ginger, yam and taro are edible stems.
From the above information we know that Zaminkand have a corm type of stem modification.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The roots are connected with the leaves through the stem. It helps to carry absorbed water and minerals to the various areas of the plants. Xylem and phloem tissues are present in the plants for the transport of water and minerals respectively. The food prepared in the leaves by photosynthesis is transported by the process of translocation to the other parts of the plants.