by Q. Consider the following pairs:
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
Plant | Description |
I. Cassava | Woody shrub |
II. Ginger | Herb with pseudostem |
III. Malabar spinach | Herbaceous climber |
IV. Mint | Annual shrub |
V. Papaya | Woody shrub |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All the five
Answer: (b) Only three
Explanation:
Cassava is a perennial woody shrub cultivated for its starchy roots.
II. Ginger – Herb with pseudostem
Ginger is an herbaceous plant with an underground rhizome and a pseudostem formed by leaf sheaths.
III. Malabar spinach – Herbaceous climber
Malabar spinach is a fast-growing herbaceous climber.
IV. Mint – Annual shrub
This is incorrect. Mint is a perennial herb, not an annual shrub.
V. Papaya – Woody shrub
This is incorrect. Papaya is a large herbaceous plant, sometimes called a tree-like herb, but not a woody shrub.
Correct pairs: I, II, III
Incorrect pairs: IV, V
Answer: (b) Only three
