Question

A plant found in hot climates have both its stem and leaves modified. Name the plant.  State the modifications in that plant. Also write the importance of such modifications.​

Answer 1

• Leaf tendril to provide support: in many climbers, the leaf is modified into a thin-thread like coiled structure called tendril. A tendril stretches out and twines around a suitable object to provide support to the weak stems.

• Leaf spines to provide protection and reduce the loss of water: In certain plants, leaves or parts of leaves get modified into pointed structures called spines. Spines help to reduce the loss of water by transpiration. They also protect the plant from grazing animals. Example spines on cactus.

• Scale leaves to protect buds and store food and water: in some plants, the leaves are modified into scale leaves and perform the function of protecting the buds. They also store food and water.