Question

In plants like jasmine, a slender lateral branch arises from the base of main axis and after growing aerially for some time arch downwards to touch the ground and forms new plant. Such lateral branches are called:

• A. Offset
• B. Sucker
• C. Stolon
• D. Scrambler

Answer 1

The correct option is C Stolon

Stolons are elongated horizontal or arched runners which can cross over small obstacles, e.g., jasmine, wild strawberry, peppermint. For this, the tip of stolon generally grows above the level of ground. Each stolon has one or more nodes possessing scale leaves and axillary buds. The term stolon is sometimes used for underground runners where the tip, unlike sucker, does not come above ground. For example - Colocasia.

Offsets are one internodes long small runner which are found in rosette plants at the ground or water level.

Sucker is a special non green slender stem branch which arises from the underground base of an erect shoot or crown.

Scramblers have flexible, long stems that resemble vines, but lack a way to grip support.

Hence, the correct answer is stolon.