A unifoliate compound leaf can be differentiated from simple leaf in having

Options

A. Joint
B. Stalk
C. Unicostate reticulate venation
D. Multicostate reticulate venation.

Answer

To differentiate a unifoliate compound leaf from a simple leaf, follow these steps:

1. **Understand Leaf Types**: Recognize that leaves are classified into two main types: simple leaves and compound leaves. Simple leaves have a single blade, while compound leaves consist of multiple leaflets.

2. **Identify Compound Leaf Subtypes**: Compound leaves can be further divided into pinnately compound and palmately compound leaves. Palmately compound leaves have leaflets that arise from a single point at the tip of the petiole.

3. **Focus on Unifoliate Leaves**: Unifoliate compound leaves are a specific type of palmately compound leaf where there is only one leaflet. They can be classified based on the number of leaflets they possess (unifoliate, bifoliate, trifoliate, etc.).

4. **Key Differentiating Feature**: The main feature that differentiates a unifoliate compound leaf from a simple leaf is the presence of a joint or winged petiole. This joint allows the leaf to be classified as compound, whereas simple leaves do not have this feature.

5. **Eliminate Incorrect Options**:
- The option "stalk" is incorrect because both simple and compound leaves have stalks (petioles).
- The options "unicosted reticulate venation" and "multicosted reticulate venation" refer to the arrangement of veins in the leaf and do not serve as distinguishing features between simple and compound leaves.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer is that a unifoliate compound leaf can be differentiated from a simple leaf by having a joint or winged petiole.