🍃 Intermediate Practical Manual - Leaf Modifications

🍃 Leaf Modifications

1️⃣ Phyllode (Example: Acacia melanoxylon)

✨ Features:

1. Leaves are bipinnately compound.

2. Petiole is modified into a green, flattened, wing-like structure to perform photosynthesis → called Phyllode.

3. Presence of phyllode is a xerophytic adaptation (reduces water loss).

👉 Identified as a modified leaf – Phyllode.

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2️⃣ Reproductive Leaves (Example: Bryophyllum)

✨ Features:

1. Plant has thick, fleshy leaves → xerophytic adaptation.

2. Leaves produce epiphylous buds (adventitious buds) on the notches along leaf margins.

3. Each bud develops into a new plant → helps in vegetative propagation.

👉 Identified as a modified leaf – Reproductive Leaf.

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📌 Quick Note:

• Phyllode → petiole modified, photosynthesis.

• Reproductive Leaves → leaf margins bear buds → vegetative propagation.

3️⃣ Trap Leaves (Example: Nepenthes)

✨ Features:

1. Petiolar modification:

   • Lower part of petiole → modified into wing-like structure.

   • Upper part of petiole → modified into a tendril.

   • Lamina of leaf → modified into a pitcher.

   • Lid of pitcher → modified leaf tip.

2. Plant is insectivorous (carnivorous).

3. Grows in nitrogen-deficient soils → depends on insects for nitrogen.

   • Insects are attracted, trapped, and digested for proteins.

👉 Thus, identified as Trap Leaves (modification of normal leaves).

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📌 Quick Note for Exams:

• Nepenthes → pitcher plant.

• Lamina → pitcher, Leaf tip → lid, Petiole → tendril.

• Function → capture & digest insects (for nitrogen).

👉🔬 Intermediate Practical Book