Q. Consider the following pairs:
| Plant | Description | ||
| I. | Cassava | : | Woody shrub |
| II. | Ginger | : | Herb with pseudo-stem |
| III. | Malabar spinach | : | Herbaceous climber |
| IV. | Mint | : | Annual shrub |
| V. | Papaya | : | Woody shrub |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All the five
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (b) Only three
Explanation:
Let us examine each pair one by one from a botanical and exam-oriented perspective:
Pair I – Cassava : Woody shrub (Correct)
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is botanically classified as a woody shrub. It has a hard, woody stem and is widely cultivated in tropical regions for its starchy tuberous roots, which are a major carbohydrate source.
Pair II – Ginger : Herb with pseudo-stem (Correct)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial herb. The so-called stem seen above ground is actually a pseudostem, formed by tightly packed leaf sheaths. The edible part is an underground rhizome.
Pair III – Malabar spinach : Herbaceous climber (Correct)
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a herbaceous climber with soft, fleshy stems. It grows as a vine and is commonly used as a leafy vegetable in tropical climates.
Pair IV – Mint : Annual shrub (Incorrect)
Mint (Mentha species) is not an annual shrub. It is a perennial herb that spreads through underground runners (rhizomes). Shrubs are woody plants, which mint is not.
Pair V – Papaya : Woody shrub (Incorrect)
Papaya (Carica papaya) may look tree-like, but it is actually a large herbaceous plant with a soft, hollow stem. It lacks true woody tissue, so calling it a woody shrub is incorrect.
Final Count
✔ Correct pairs: I, II, III
✘ Incorrect pairs: IV, V
👉 Total correctly matched pairs = 3
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- (a) Only two → Undercounts correct pairs
- (c) Only four → Includes at least one incorrect pair
- (d) All the five → Factually incorrect