Pulvinous refers to swollen leaf base in some legumes.

Pulvinous refers to swollen leaf base in some legumes.

• A. Swollen leaf base
• B. Green leaf blade
• C. Vein arrangement
• D. Root type

Answer: (A)

Pulvinus is a swollen joint-like region at the base of a leaf or leaflet in many legumes. This swollen area acts as a motor organ that changes turgor pressure to bend or move the leaf, allowing rapid leaf movements in response to touch or light. Because of this, the term pulvinus describes a swollen leaf base, not the leaf blade color, vein pattern, or root type. An familiar example is the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica, where adjustments in water content within the pulvini cause leaflets to fold. So the swollen leaf base is the concept this term refers to.

Pulvinus is a swollen joint-like region at the base of a leaf or leaflet in many legumes. This swollen area acts as a motor organ that changes turgor pressure to bend or move the leaf, allowing rapid leaf movements in response to touch or light. Because of this, the term pulvinus describes a swollen leaf base, not the leaf blade color, vein pattern, or root type. An familiar example is the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica, where adjustments in water content within the pulvini cause leaflets to fold. So the swollen leaf base is the concept this term refers to.