Question

Phylloclade and cladode both are aerial modifications of the stem. Justify with examples.

Answer 1

Phylloclade is a specialized photosynthetic stem present mostly in xerophytes.

• It is a green, flattened or cylindrical structure which has distinct nodes and internodes.
• The examples are Opuntia and Cocoloba.

Cladodes is a modification of stem and branches of limited growth.

• It has one internode and is cylindrical, the leaf-like structure which performs photosynthesis.
• The example is Ruscus and Asparagus.

These are aerial part as can be visible in the erect part of the stem but difficult to distinguish that the reason these are also known as a metamorphosed stem.