Question

Define the following:
Phyllotaxy

Answer 1

Phyllotaxy:

1. Phyllotaxy is defined as the patterns of arrangement of leaves on the stem of a plant.
2. Every kind of plant has a different phyllotaxy and that helps in optimizing their photosynthesis output.
3. The phyllotaxy is based on the direction of shoot growth.
4. A phyllotaxy has a central axis or a branch from which the leaves originate around the nodes.
5. The main aim of phyllotaxy is to expose all leaves of the plant to maximum sunlight and air.
6. There are three types of Phyllotaxy namely:

• Alternate phyllotaxy- Here, a single leaf develops alternatively at each node.
• Opposite phyllotaxy- Here, a pair of leaves develops opposite each other at each node.
• Whorled phyllotaxy- Here, more than two leaves develop at each node to form a whorl.