Q. Consider the following pairs:
PlantDescription
I. Cassava
Woody shrub
II. GingerHerb with pseudostem
III. Malabar spinachHerbaceous climber
IV. MintAnnual shrub
V. PapayaWoody shrub
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Pair 1 is correctly matched: Cassava is a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, which grows in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is also called yuca, manioc, and mandioca. It is cultivated for its starchy tuberous roots, which are a major source of carbohydrates.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: Ginger is an herbaceous perennial plant with a unique structure that includes a rhizome (underground stem) and a pseudostem (false stem). The rhizome, the fleshy underground stem, is the part we commonly consume. The pseudostem, made up of tightly wrapped leaf bases, supports the aerial leaves and flowers. This plant is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes plants like turmeric and cardamom.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is an herbaceous climber. It is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed, twining vine that can grow up to 10 feet long. It is also known as vine spinach, Indian spinach, and Ceylon spinach.
Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Mint is not a shrub. It is classified as an aromatic perennial herb. Shrubs are typically woody plants with multiple stems, while herbs have softer, non-woody stems. Mint plants have soft, square stems and spread via underground and overground runners.
Pair 5 is incorrectly matched: The papaya (Carica papaya) is a large, herbaceous perennial, not a woody shrub. It has a single, non-woody trunk that is somewhat succulent and soft-wooded. The trunk does not develop true bark and is marked by scars from old leaf bases. The papaya is a tree-like plant, but its trunk is not as woody as a typical tree.
Source: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/7/2785
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/malabar-spinach-basella-alba/
http://www.spices.res.in/sites/default/files/Extension%20Pamphlets/ginger.pdf
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