Question

Why is a thorn modified branch?

Answer 1

Axillary bud:

1. It is located in the axil of the leaf.
2. It develops into a branch.

Thorn:

1. The axillary buds of the stems are modified into thorns.
2. Thorns are woody, straight, and pointed structures.
3. Many plants, including citrus and bougainvillea, have thorns.
4. Thorns safeguard plants from grazers.
5. The thorn develops where a branch would ordinarily develop, in the axil of a leaf; therefore, it might be considered a modified branch.