Question
Opuntia has spines but Carissa has thorns. What is the difference?
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Answer
- In Opuntia, stem is modified into leaf like photosynthetic organ known as phylloclade.
- Spines growing on phylloclade of Opuntia are leaves, modified to reduce the loss of water through transpiration.
- Thoms in Carissa are modified apical buds. They provide protection against browsing animals.
- Thus, spines in Opuntia and thorns in Carissa have different origin and function.
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