Question

Swollen leaf base is called:

• A. Petiolate leaf base
• B. Sheathing leaf base
• C. Stipulate leaf base
• D. Pulvinous leaf base

Answer 1

The correct option is D Pulvinous leaf base

Pulvinus is a group of cells at the base of a leaf or leaflet in certain plants that, by rapidly losing water, brings about changes in the position of the leaves.

In the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), the pulvinus is responsible for the folding of the leaves that occurs at nightfall or when the plant is touched or injured.

In many monocot plants such as grasses, the leaf base which is present is broad and surrounds the stem as an envelope. This type of leaf base is called a sheathing leaf base. In most of the dicotyledonous plants, the leaf-base bears two lateral appendages called the stipules. Leaves with a petiole or stalk are said to be petiolate leaf.