which is not characteristic of xerophytic leaf

Options

A. thick cuticle
B. well developed conducting tissue
C. well developed mechanical tissue
D. spongy parenchyma.

Answer

To determine which characteristic is not associated with xerophytic leaves, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Thick Cuticle**: Xerophytic leaves typically have a thick cuticle to reduce water loss through evaporation. This is a characteristic of xerophytic leaves.

2. **Well-Developed Conducting Tissue**: Xerophytic plants often have well-developed vascular tissues, including xylem and phloem, to efficiently transport water and nutrients. This is also a characteristic of xerophytic leaves.

3. **Well-Developed Mechanical Tissue**: Xerophytes require strong mechanical support due to their often harsh environments. Therefore, well-developed mechanical tissues are also a characteristic of xerophytic leaves.

4. **Spongy Parenchyma**: While spongy parenchyma is present in many plants, it is not a defining feature of xerophytic leaves. Instead, xerophytic leaves typically have more palisade parenchyma, which is tightly packed to reduce water loss.

Based on this analysis, the characteristic that is **not** associated with xerophytic leaves is **spongy parenchyma**.

### Final Answer:
**Spongy parenchyma is not a characteristic of xerophytic leaves.**

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