Question

A 3/8 alternate phyllotaxy, called as ostastichous, means

• A. There are leaves in 3 circles
• B. There are 3 leaves in 8 circles
• C. There are 3 rows of leaves
• D. There are 8 rows of leaves on three sided stem

Answer 1

The correct option is A There are leaves in 3 circles

The arrangement of leaves on the stem of the plant is known as phyllotaxy. There are two ways in which leaves are arranged on stem, that is alternate phyllotaxy and cyclic phyllotaxy. In cyclic phyllotaxy, the leaves are arranged like whorl. In alternate phyllotaxy, the leaves are arranged in such a way so that there is fix distance between two leaves. It can be represented by a fraction describing the angle of windings leaf per leaf. The number of leaves is called as rank and the leaves line up in vertical rows. In sunflowers and pear, it is 3/8 and is called as ostastichous meaning there are eight ostastichous and leaves in 3 circles.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.