question_answer

In opposite phyllotaxy, if the leaves are of different size and arranged alternately, the phenomenon is termed as

A)                  distichous                          

B)                  pentastichous

C)                  anisophylly                       

D)                  heterophylly

Correct Answer: C

Solution :

                 In opposite phyllotaxy, a pair of leaves are borne at a node opposite to each other. Occurrence of dissimilar leaves on a node is called anisophylly, eg, Goldfussia, Pelliomia etc. Occurrence of dissimilar foliage leaves on a plant is called heterophylly. It is commonly seen in emergent type of hydrophytes, eg, Sagittaria, Limnophilla, Myriophyllum etc. In distichous type of alternate phyllotaxy there are two rows of leaves with angle of divergence , eg, Annona, Vanda, Typha etc. In pentastichous type of alternate phyllotaxy, there are five rows of leaves with  angle of divergence , eg, banyan.