Consider the following pairs:PlantDescriptionCassavaWoody shrubGingerHerb with pseudostemMalabar spi

Question

Consider the following pairs:PlantDescriptionCassavaWoody shrubGingerHerb with pseudostemMalabar spinachHerbaceous climberMintAnnual shrubPapayaWoody shrubHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a woody shrub native to South America, cultivated primarily for its starchy tuberous roots, which serve as a major source of carbohydrates in tropical and subtropical regions. It is also known as tapioca in parts of India. Hence pair I is correctly matched. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), originally from Southeast Asia, is a perennial herb that produces a pseudostem made up of tightly packed leaf bases. Its rhizome is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. Hence pair II is correctly matched. Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a fast-growing herbaceous climber native to South Asia. It thrives in hot, humid climates and is valued for its edible, mucilaginous leaves and stems, which are rich in nutrients. Hence pair III is correctly matched. Mint (Mentha species) is a vigorous perennial herb It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes and is known for its aromatic leaves, which are widely used in culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal applications. Hence pair IV is not correctly matched. Finally, papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical plant that appears tree-like but is actually a large herb with a soft, non-woody stem. Native to Central America, it is grown for its sweet, nutritious fruit and has several traditional medicinal uses. Despite its size, papaya’s structure classifies it botanically as an herb, not a woody shrub. Hence pair V is not correctly matched.