Question

What is pulvinus and what are its functions?

Answer 1

Pulvinus is the base of a leaf or leaflet. It is the soft mound or bulge and is the junction of the leaf with the axis.

Pulvinus takes the pressure / force and bends elastically when force is applied. Pulvinus is responsible for the change in the orientation or position of the leaf. Pulvinus changes its orientation by losing water in it or by gaining water.

Pulvinus also enables folding of leaf when some one or something touches the leaves, in some plants.