Which of the statements is correct about leaflets of compound leaf?
( a ) They are always borne laterally in one plane.
( b ) They do not bear axillary bud.
( c ) They bear stipules at base.
( d ) They may arise at the tip of petiole.

Options

A. ( b ) & ( d )
B. ( c ) & ( d )
C. ( a ), ( b ) & ( d )
D. ( b ), ( c ) & ( d )

Answer

To solve the question regarding the statements about leaflets of a compound leaf, we need to analyze each option carefully.

1. **Understanding Compound Leaves**: A compound leaf consists of multiple leaflets attached to a single petiole. Each leaflet functions like a leaf but is part of a larger structure.

2. **Analyzing Each Statement**:
- **(a) They are always borne laterally in one plane**: This statement is incorrect. Leaflets can be arranged in various ways, not strictly laterally or in one plane.
- **(b) They do not bear axillary bud**: This statement is correct. In compound leaves, the axillary bud is typically found at the base of the entire leaf structure, not at the base of individual leaflets.
- **(c) They bear stipules at base**: This statement is incorrect. Stipules are often associated with simple leaves and are not a defining feature of compound leaves.
- **(d) They may arise at the tip of petiole**: This statement is correct. Leaflets can indeed arise from the tip of the petiole in some types of compound leaves.

3. **Conclusion**: The correct statements about leaflets of a compound leaf are (b) and (d). Therefore, the answer is that the correct statements are (b) and (d).

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Identify the structure of a compound leaf**: Understand that it consists of multiple leaflets.
2. **Evaluate statement (a)**: Check if leaflets are always borne laterally in one plane. Conclude that this is incorrect.
3. **Evaluate statement (b)**: Confirm that leaflets do not bear axillary buds. This is correct.
4. **Evaluate statement (c)**: Determine if leaflets bear stipules. Conclude that this is incorrect.
5. **Evaluate statement (d)**: Assess if leaflets may arise at the tip of the petiole. This is correct.
6. **Summarize findings**: Identify that statements (b) and (d) are correct.