Petioles are inflated in floating hydrophytes

Options

A. Wolffia
B. Eichhornia
C. Salvinia
D. Ceratophyllum.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Petioles**: The petiole is the stalk that connects the leaf blade to the stem of the plant. It plays a crucial role in supporting the leaf and facilitating the transport of nutrients and water.

2. **Floating Hydrophytes**: Floating hydrophytes are plants that grow on the surface of water bodies. These plants have adaptations that allow them to float, such as inflated petioles.

3. **Identifying the Plants**: The question lists four plants:
- Wolffia
- Eichhornia (Water Hyacinth)
- Salvinia
- Ceratophyllum

4. **Analyzing Eichhornia**: Among these, Eichhornia, commonly known as water hyacinth, is known for having inflated petioles. The inflation of the petiole helps the plant to float on water, providing buoyancy.

5. **Comparing Other Plants**:
- Wolffia, Salvinia, and Ceratophyllum do not have inflated petioles. Their petioles are typically of normal shape and do not provide the same level of buoyancy as Eichhornia.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that petioles are inflated in Eichhornia (Water Hyacinth).

**Final Answer**: Eichhornia (Water Hyacinth) has inflated petioles among the listed floating hydrophytes.

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