This is not a character of Allium
I. Discoid stem
II. Cauline leaves
III. Protandrous flowers
IV. Epiphyllous stamens

Options

A. I, II
B. II, IV
C. Only II
D. Only IV

Answer

To determine which character is not associated with Allium, we will analyze each option step by step:

### Step 1: Analyze the first option - Discoid stem
- **Explanation**: Allium, which includes plants like onions and garlic, has a modified underground stem known as a bulb. This bulb is disc-shaped and serves as a storage organ for food. Therefore, the discoid stem is a characteristic of Allium.
- **Conclusion**: This option is **correct** for Allium.

### Step 2: Analyze the second option - Cauline leaves
- **Explanation**: Cauline leaves refer to leaves that are sessile, meaning they do not have a petiole (the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem). In Allium, the leaves are modified for storage and are not sessile in nature. Thus, cauline leaves do not accurately describe Allium.
- **Conclusion**: This option is **not correct** for Allium.

### Step 3: Analyze the third option - Protandrous flowers
- **Explanation**: Protandry is a condition where the male reproductive parts (anthers) mature before the female parts (pistils). Allium flowers exhibit protandry, as the anthers mature first, allowing for cross-pollination. This is a characteristic of Allium.
- **Conclusion**: This option is **correct** for Allium.

### Step 4: Analyze the fourth option - Epiphyllous stamens
- **Explanation**: Epiphyllous stamens are those that are associated with the perianth (tepals). In Allium, the stamens are indeed associated with the tepals, which is a characteristic of the lily family (to which Allium belongs).
- **Conclusion**: This option is **correct** for Allium.

### Final Conclusion
After analyzing all the options, we find that the character that is **not associated** with Allium is **II. Cauline leaves**. Therefore, the answer is **II**.

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