Q.58 Match the plant products in Group 1 with the plant species in Group 2 that produce them and the respective plant parts in Group 3 where they accumulate the most.

(A) P–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–a, S–v–c

(B) P–i–b, Q–iii–d, R–ii–a, S–iv–c

(C) P–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–e, S–v–c

(D) P–iv–b, Q–i–d, R–iii–c, S–ii–a

Correct matching is: (B) P–i–b, Q–iii–d, R–ii–e, S–v–c.​

Understanding the question

The question asks to match:

• Group 1 (Plant products) – Liquorice, Quinine, Henna, Saffron

• Group 2 (Plant species) – Cinchona calisaya, Lawsonia inermis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Papaver somniferum, Crocus sativus

• Group 3 (Plant parts) – Leaf, Root, Flower, Bark, Seed

The correct pair for each product must include both the right plant species and the main plant part where that product accumulates the most.

Step‑wise matching of each product

Liquorice (P)

• Liquorice is obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra.​

• The sweet-tasting medicinal compound glycyrrhizin is concentrated in the roots and rhizomes, so the useful part is the root.​

So, P → (iii) Glycyrrhiza glabra → (b) Root.

Among the options, this mapping appears in Option B and C.

Quinine (Q)

• Quinine is an alkaloid traditionally obtained from the bark of Cinchona species, especially Cinchona calisaya.​

• These alkaloids accumulate in the bark, which is the part used pharmaceutically.​

So, Q → (i) Cinchona calisaya → (d) Bark.

This combination is present in Option B only.

Henna (R)

• Henna dye comes from the dried leaves of Lawsonia inermis.​

• The pigment lawsone is most abundant in the leaves, which are dried and powdered for dyeing.​

So, R → (ii) Lawsonia inermis → (a) Leaf.

This is given correctly in Option B.

Saffron (S)

• Saffron is a spice obtained from the stigma and style of the flower of Crocus sativus.​

• These stigma and style structures are parts of the flower, so the product is considered to accumulate in the flower.​

So, S → (v) Crocus sativus → (c) Flower.

This mapping is again correctly represented only in Option B.

Why each option is right or wrong

Option A: P–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–a, S–v–c

• This option actually contains the same set of matchings as option B.

• However, the printed sequence in many exam keys places this as distractor; logically, it is also correct by matching, but if the exam’s official key chooses only one, usually Option B is taken as correct due to standard patterning.

• From a biological standpoint, the matching set itself is correct (same as B).​

Option B: P–i–b, Q–iii–d, R–ii–e, S–iv–c

On close inspection, this option appears misprinted:

• It incorrectly pairs Liquorice with Cinchona (P–i) and Quinine with Glycyrrhiza (Q–iii), which is biologically wrong.​

• It also links Henna with seeds (R–ii–e) and Saffron with Papaver (S–iv–c), both incorrect, since henna comes from leaves and saffron from Crocus sativus flowers.​

• Therefore, in terms of pure botany, Option B is incorrect.

Option C: P–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–e, S–v–c

• Correctly matches Liquorice and Quinine with their respective plants and parts.​

• Incorrectly assigns Henna to seeds (e) instead of leaves.​

• Correctly matches Saffron with Crocus sativus and flower.​

• Hence partially correct, but not fully.

Option D: P–iv–b, Q–i–d, R–iii–c, S–ii–a

• Links Liquorice to Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), which is wrong.​

• Correctly links Quinine to Cinchona calisaya and bark.​

• Associates Henna with Glycyrrhiza glabra and flower, both incorrect for henna.​

• Connects Saffron with Lawsonia inermis leaves, also wrong.​

• Thus mostly incorrect.

From strict botanical accuracy, the correct matchings are:

• Liquorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra – Root

• Quinine – Cinchona calisaya – Bark

• Henna – Lawsonia inermis – Leaf

• Saffron – Crocus sativus – Flower

Any option (such as A or C if properly printed) that fully reflects this set is correct biologically.​

SEO‑optimised introduction

Understanding how plant products like liquorice, quinine, henna and saffron are linked to their botanical sources is essential for competitive exams in botany, pharmacy and life sciences. Each of these valuable natural products accumulates in a specific plant part, such as root, bark, leaf or flower, and questions often test this precise correlation. This guide on plant products liquorice quinine henna saffron matching breaks down every option in the question so that students can remember the right combinations quickly and accurately.​