Choose the mis-matched pair

Options

A. Whorled phyllotaxy - Alstonia
B. Phyllode - Australian Acacia
C. Opposite phyllotaxy - Calotropis
D. Leaf tendril - Cucurbits

Answer

To solve the question of identifying the mismatched pair, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **World Phyllotaxy - Elstonia**:
- Phyllotaxy refers to the arrangement of leaves on a stem.
- World phyllotaxy means that more than two leaves arise from a single node, forming a whorl.
- Elstonia is indeed an example of a plant that exhibits world phyllotaxy.
- **Conclusion**: This pair is matched correctly.

2. **Opposite Phyllotaxy - Calotropis**:
- Opposite phyllotaxy means that pairs of leaves arise at each node, directly opposite each other.
- Calotropis is a plant that exhibits opposite phyllotaxy.
- **Conclusion**: This pair is also matched correctly.

3. **Phyllode - Australian Acacia**:
- A phyllode is a flattened petiole that functions like a leaf.
- Australian Acacia is known to have phyllodes instead of true leaves.
- **Conclusion**: This pair is matched correctly.

4. **Leaf Tendril - Cucurbits**:
- Tendrils are specialized structures that help plants climb.
- In cucurbits (like cucumber), the climbing structure is a stem tendril, not a leaf tendril.
- Leaf tendrils are found in plants like peas.
- **Conclusion**: This pair is mismatched.

**Final Answer**: The mismatched pair is **Leaf Tendril - Cucurbits**.

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