Lateral branches originating from the basal and underground portion of the main stem that grows beneath the soil and then come out obliquely upward and give rise to leafy shoot is found in
Pineapple
— Concept: This question tests your knowledge of modified stems, specifically a type of subaerial modification called a…Concept: This question tests your knowledge of modified stems, specifically a type of subaerial modification called a sucker.
Why (B) is correct: A sucker is a subaerial stem modification where a lateral branch originates from the basal and underground portion of the main stem. It grows horizontally beneath the soil for some distance and then emerges obliquely upwards, giving rise to a leafy shoot. This type of growth is characteristic of plants like pineapple, banana, and chrysanthemum.
Why other options are wrong:
- (A) Onion: Onion is a bulb, an underground stem modification for food storage.
- (C) Pistia: Pistia (water lettuce) has offsets, which are short, thick runners found in aquatic plants.
- (D) Grass: Grasses typically show stolons (runners) or rhizomes, depending on the species, but not the specific 'sucker' morphology described.
NEET Tip: Remember the key examples for each stem modification. For suckers, think of 'BAP' - Banana, Ananas (Pineapple), Chrysanthemum.
Correct Answer: (B)
Pineapple