Whorled phyllotaxy is characterized by which arrangement?

• A. More than 2 leaves arise at a node and form a whorl
• B. Two leaves arise opposite each other
• C. A single leaf per node
• D. Leaves arranged in a basal rosette

Answer: (A)

Whorled phyllotaxy means leaves are arranged in a whorl around a single point on the stem, with more than two leaves emerging from the same node. This creates a circular cluster around the stem. The node is the spot where leaves attach; when several leaves radiate from that same spot, you’re seeing a whorl. This is distinct from opposite arrangement (two leaves at a node opposite each other), alternate arrangement (one leaf per node in a spiral), and a basal rosette (leaves clustered at the base rather than along the stem). So the description of more than two leaves arising at a node and forming a whorl best matches whorled phyllotaxy.