Question

Which of the following is an offset?
A. Cynodon dactylon
B. Eichhornia
C. Fragaria
D. Mentha

Answer 1

Hint: Cynodon dactylon is the type of grass. Eichhornia is an example of an offset that is produced from leaf axils and from the new structure of the plants. Fragaria includes a group of strawberries. Mentha includes mint family. Meristematic tissues help in the development of offsets.

Complete answer:
The structure of the offsets forms when meristem regions of the plants, such as axillary buds or homologous structures, differentiate into a new plant. It becomes self-sustaining. They are mostly found in the species that develop underground storage organs such as bulbs, corns and tubers. Offsets are the complete daughter plants. They are genetically identical to the mother plant. Offsets have stout and runners like horizontal stems. Examples of offsets are Pistia and Eichhornia.
Cynodon dactylon, also called Bermuda grass, Dhoob, or durva grass. They are native to most of the eastern hemisphere. It can also provide hay and pasture for livestock throughout the tropical and subtropical areas.
Fragaria includes flowering plants and commonly known as strawberries for their edible fruits. There are mainly 20 described species of hybrids and cultivars.
Mentha is the genus of the plants in the family Lamiaceae that is also known as mint family. About 13 to 24 species of these plants exist.
From the above information we can say that Eichhornia is the example of offsets.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Offsets are mainly found in rosette plants on water or ground surface. Water hyacinth(aquatic plant) undergoes vegetative reproduction that takes place through offsets. Offsets from the leaf axil and runs horizontally. They have a rosette of leaves and an adventitious root below. Offset propagates a new plant by propagating to a new niche. Bermuda grass is used to make sports fields, parks, playgrounds, golf courses and other general purpose turf.