Leaf of silk cotton plant

Options

A. Simple unlobed
B. Pinnately compound
C. Simple lobed
D. Palmately compound

Answer

To determine the type of leaf found on the silk cotton plant, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Types of Leaves
There are different types of leaves based on their structure:
- **Simple Leaves**: These leaves have a single blade and do not have any lobes or divisions.
- **Compound Leaves**: These leaves are divided into multiple leaflets. They can be further classified into:
- **Pinnately Compound Leaves**: Leaflets are arranged along a central axis.
- **Palmately Compound Leaves**: Leaflets are attached at a common point, resembling the fingers of a hand.

### Step 2: Identify the Leaf Structure of Silk Cotton
The silk cotton plant (Bombax ceiba) is known for having palmately compound leaves. This means that the leaflets of the silk cotton leaf are attached at a single point, resembling a hand with fingers extending outwards.

### Step 3: Confirm the Classification
To confirm, we can compare the characteristics:
- **Palmately Compound Leaf**: Leaflets arise from a common point. This matches the description of the silk cotton leaf.
- **Other Types**: The other types of leaves (simple, pinnately compound, and simple lobed) do not fit the description of the silk cotton leaf.

### Conclusion
Based on the structure and classification, the leaf of the silk cotton plant is classified as a **palmately compound leaf**.

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