Which of the following plants show tendrillar petioles?
I. Dolichos II. Smilax Which of the following plants show tendrillar petioles? I. Dolichos II. Smilax III. Nepenthes IV. Acacia III. Nepenthes IV. Acacia

Options

A. I and II
B. III alone
C. II and IV
D. III and IV

Answer

To determine which of the listed plants exhibit tendrillar petioles, we will analyze each option one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of Tendrillar Petioles**:
- Tendrillar petioles are modified leaf stalks that have evolved to assist in climbing by wrapping around supports.

2. **Examine Dolichos**:
- Dolichos is a climbing plant belonging to the legume family. However, it does not have tendrillar petioles; instead, it uses stem modifications for climbing.
- **Conclusion**: Dolichos does not show tendrillar petioles.

3. **Examine Smilax**:
- Smilax is another climbing plant. In this case, the tendrils are formed from stipules (small leaf-like structures at the base of the leaf) rather than the petiole itself.
- **Conclusion**: Smilax does not have tendrillar petioles, as the climbing mechanism is through stipules.

4. **Examine Nepenthes**:
- Nepenthes, commonly known as pitcher plants, do have tendrillar petioles. These tendrils assist in climbing and also play a role in photosynthesis.
- **Conclusion**: Nepenthes shows tendrillar petioles.

5. **Examine Acacia**:
- Acacia plants typically have small spines that are modifications of the stem, serving as a defense mechanism. They do not have tendrillar petioles.
- **Conclusion**: Acacia does not show tendrillar petioles.

### Final Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the only plant among the options that shows tendrillar petioles is **Nepenthes**. Therefore, the correct answer is **III only (Nepenthes)**.