Imparipinnate leaf is the one where

A. Leaflets are borne in pairs

B. Leaflets are small

C. Leaflets are large

D. Rachis is terminated by an odd leaflet

A compound leaf is a leaf in which the lamina (leaf blade) is completely divided into separate leaflets. The leaf shows incisions that reach the midrib. A bud is present at the axil of the petiole but is absent at the axil of individual leaflets.

Compound leaves are mainly of two types:

1. Pinnately compound – The leaflets are arranged along the rachis.
   • Imparipinnate leaf: Rachis ends with a single (odd) leaflet.
   • Paripinnate (even pinnate) leaf: Leaflets are in pairs and the rachis ends without a terminal leaflet.
2. Palmately compound – All leaflets arise from a common point, usually small in size. Example: silk cotton.

Simple leaf – If the leaflets are large or the leaf blade is not divided (or the incisions do not reach the midrib), it is called a simple leaf.

Rachis terminated by an odd leaflet – In imparipinnate leaves, the rachis ends with a single (odd) leaflet instead of a pair. Example: Neem.

Answer: D) Rachis is terminated by an odd leaflet