A simple leaf can be differentiated from the pinnae of a compound leaf on the basis of presence or absence of

Options

A. number of pinnae
B. shape of lamina
C. axillary bud
D. lateral buds.

Explanation

To differentiate a simple leaf from the pinnae of a compound leaf, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Leaves**:
- A simple leaf consists of a single blade that is not divided into smaller leaflets.
- A compound leaf, on the other hand, has a blade that is divided into multiple leaflets (pinnae).

2. **Identify the Presence of Axillary Buds**:
- Axillary buds are located in the axil (the angle between the leaf stem and the stem of the plant).
- In simple leaves, there is typically one axillary bud at the base of the leaf petiole.

3. **Examine the Leaflets of Compound Leaves**:
- In compound leaves, each leaflet (pinna) does not have its own axillary bud.
- Instead, the axillary bud is present at the base of the entire compound leaf structure, not at each individual leaflet.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The key difference lies in the presence or absence of axillary buds.
- Simple leaves have axillary buds, while the leaflets of compound leaves do not have axillary buds.

### Final Answer:
A simple leaf can be differentiated from the pinnae of a compound leaf on the basis of the presence or absence of **axillary buds**.

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