Identify the correct set of statements: (a) The leaflets are modified into pointed hard thorns in Citrus and Bougainvillea. (b) Axillary buds form slender and spirally coiled tendrils in Cucumber and Pumpkin. (c) Stem is flattened and fleshy in Opuntia and modified to perform the function of leaves. (d) Rhizophora shows vertically upward growing roots that help to get oxygen for respiration. (e) Subaerially growing stems in grasses and strawberry help in vegetative propagation.

:

• Statement (a) is Incorrect: In Citrus and Bougainvillea, the axillary buds of stems (not leaflets) get modified into woody, straight, and pointed thorns.
• Statement (b) is Correct: Stem tendrils develop from axillary buds, are slender and spirally coiled, found in gourds (Cucumber, Pumpkin).
• Statement (c) is Correct: Stems of arid regions modify into flattened structures (Opuntia) containing chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis.
• Statement (d) is Correct: In Rhizophora, pneumatophores grow vertically upwards to help get oxygen for respiration.
• Statement (e) is Correct: Underground stems of grass and strawberry spread to new niches (vegetative propagation). Therefore, the correct statements are (b), (c), (d), and (e).