Pinnately compound leaves are characterized by leaflets arranged on a common axis called rachis. Which plant is an example of a pinnately compound leaf?

• A. Neem
• B. Palmately compound leaf
• C. Silk Cotton
• D. China Rose

Answer: (A)

Pinnately compound leaves have the leaflets arranged along a central axis called the rachis, not all from a single point. Neem shows this clearly: the leaf has a long rachis with multiple leaflets attached along it in a row, giving an odd-pinnate arrangement. This matches the defining pattern of pinnate leaves.

In contrast, a palmately compound leaf would have leaflets radiating from one point at the end of the petiole—like Silk Cotton, whose leaflets spread out from a common origin. A simple leaf, like those of China Rose, lacks leaflets altogether and remains a single blade.