Question:medium

How many plants among China rose, Ocimum, sunflower, mustard, Alstonia, guava, Calotropis and Nerium (oleander) have opposite phyllotaxy?

Updated On: May 29, 2026
  • Three
  • Four
  • Five
  • Two
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question tests your knowledge of plant phyllotaxy, which refers to the arrangement of leaves on the plant stem.

Phyllotaxy can be categorized into three main types:

  • Alternate Phyllotaxy: A single leaf arises at each node in an alternate manner, e.g., sunflower, mustard.
  • Opposite Phyllotaxy: A pair of leaves arises at each node, directly opposite to each other, e.g., Ocimum, Calotropis, guava.
  • Whorled Phyllotaxy: More than two leaves arise at each node and form a whorl, e.g., Alstonia, Nerium.

Let's analyze the given plants:

  • China rose (Hibiscus): Displays alternate phyllotaxy.
  • Ocimum (Tulsi/Basil): Displays opposite phyllotaxy.
  • Sunflower: Displays alternate phyllotaxy.
  • Mustard: Displays alternate phyllotaxy.
  • Alstonia: Typically displays whorled phyllotaxy.
  • Guava: Displays opposite phyllotaxy.
  • Calotropis: Displays opposite phyllotaxy.
  • Nerium (Oleander): Displays whorled phyllotaxy.

Based on the above analysis, the plants with opposite phyllotaxy are:

  • Ocimum (Tulsi/Basil)
  • Guava
  • Calotropis

Thus, the correct answer to the question is Three.

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