In the vast realm of botany, leaf base structures vary greatly among different plant families. One such distinctive structure is the pulvinate leaf base. Let's delve into which plant family possesses this unique attribute.
(a) Mimosa pudica
(b) Allium cepa
(c) Sorghum
(d) None of the above
The correct answer to the question is option (a) - Mimosa pudica.
The pulvinate leaf base, also known as a swollen leaf base, is an intrinsic feature of the Fabaceae family, which includes leguminous plants. This unique structure facilitates periodic leaf movement through the asymmetric swelling and contraction of the pulvinus. This is due to the presence of thick-walled, water-conducting tissue of vascular bundle, encircled by motor cells.
The pulvinate leaf base is also instrumental in directing the orientation of the plant in response to the Sun, thanks to the photoreceptors housed within them. These pulvinate leaf bases are autonomous structures, capable of inducing movement even when detached from the leaves or the stem. Examples of plants with pulvinate leaves include leguminous species such as Mimosa pudica, Pueraria, Phaseolus, and Glycine, among others.
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