Question

Which of the following is an incorrect pair?
A. Phylloclade of Opuntia
B. Cladode of Ruscus
C. Phyllode of Asparagus
D. Stem tendrils of grape vine

Answer 1

Hint: The main axis of the plant bearing leaf, flower and fruits is known as the stem. In some plants the stem gets modified. Phylloclade, cladode and stem tendrils are the examples of such stem. Phyllodes are leaf modifications.

Complete answer:
To know the correct answer to the question, we must be aware of the various stem modifications and examples of these.

> Phylloclade- Phylloclade is a specialized stem which is found in Opuntia. It is green in colour. It may be rounded or flattened in shape. Phylloclades are succulent stems which have many internodes. Their leaves are either modified into spine or are very weakly developed.

> Cladode- Cladode is also a specialized stem which is found in Ruscus. A phylloclade of one internode is present in Asparagus while a phylloclade of two internodes is present in Ruscus.

> Stem tendrils are found in grapevines. Their main function is to provide support to the entire plant. These soft tendrils wound around the host plant for support.

Since now we are well aware of the various types of specialized stem, therefore, the correct answer to the question is phyllode of asparagus.

Note: Here it must be noted that the Asparagus plant has phylloclade and not phyllode. Phylloclade is a stem modification while phyllode is a leaf modification or more precisely, phyllodes are the modification of the leaf petiole. Phyllodes are found in Acacia.