(c) : In several species of Acacia found in the deserts of Australia the bipinnate lamina is absent. Instead petiole and part of the rachis become flattened into sickle­shaped structure for performing the function of food synthesis. Such a flattened petiole which carries out the functions of the lamina is called phyllode. Formation of phyllode is a mechanism to reduce transpiration because $(i)$ it is vertically placed and $(ii)$ has fewer stomata.