Phyllotaxy is the pattern of arrangement of leaves on the stem or branch. This is usually of three types – alternate, opposite and whorled (Figure).
In alternate type of phyllotaxy, a single leaf arises at each node in alternate manner, as in China rose, mustard and sun flower plants. In opposite type, a pair of leaves arise at each node and lie opposite to each other as in Calotropts and guava plants. If more than two leaves arise at a node and form a whorl, it is called whorled, as in Alstonita.
Fig: Dfferent types of Phyllotaxy: (a) alternate, (b) opposite and (c) whorled
