Question

Identify succulent xerophytes storing water in the form of mucilage in leaf, stem and root serially are

• A. Casuarina, Opuntia, Asparagus
• B. Bryophyllum, Asparagus, Opuntia
• C. Aloe, Opuntia, Asparagus
• D. Aloe, Casuarina, Tribulus

Hint:

Aloe = leaf succulent, Opuntia = stem succulent, Asparagus = root succulent. This sequence is a very common classification-based question.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Xerophytes are plants adapted to dry habitats. Many xerophytes become succulent and store water in tissues containing mucilage. Mucilage helps retain water and prevents rapid dehydration. Depending upon the organ storing water, succulents are classified as:
• Leaf succulents
• Stem succulents
• Root succulents

Step 1: Identify leaf succulent. Aloe stores large amounts of water in its fleshy leaves. The leaves are thick and mucilage-rich. Therefore: \[ \text{Leaf succulent} = Aloe \]

Step 2: Identify stem succulent. Opuntia possesses green flattened succulent stems called phylloclades. Water storage occurs mainly in the stem. Therefore: \[ \text{Stem succulent} = Opuntia \]

Step 3: Identify root succulent. Asparagus develops fleshy roots capable of storing water. Thus: \[ \text{Root succulent} = Asparagus \]

Step 4: Arrange in required order. Leaf, Stem and Root respectively: \[ Aloe,\; Opuntia,\; Asparagus \]

Step 5: Final conclusion. \[ \boxed{\text{Aloe, Opuntia, Asparagus}} \] Hence option (C) is correct.