Which of the following best describes a plant that is long-stemmed, has green or purple leaves, and produces irregular flowers that can be red, orange, or yellow?

• A. Cactus (family Cactaceae)
• B. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• C. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• D. Impatiens (genus Impatiens)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by analyzing the physical characteristics described in the problem. The plant is long-stemmed, has green or purple leaves, and produces irregular flowers that can be red, orange, or yellow. These traits are key to identifying the correct plant.
2. Step 2: Review the options provided: Cactus (family Cactaceae), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and Impatiens (genus Impatiens). Compare the described traits to the typical characteristics of each plant.
3. Step 3: Consider the trait of irregular flowers. Irregular flowers are asymmetrical and often have unique shapes. Among the options, Impatiens is known for producing irregular flowers, while the others typically produce regular or symmetrical flowers.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the color of the flowers. Impatiens commonly produce flowers in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow, which matches the description. The other plants listed do not typically produce flowers in this range of colors.
5. Step 5: Confirm the match between the described traits and the characteristics of Impatiens. Impatiens is a genus of plants that fits the description provided, including the long stems, green or purple leaves, and irregular flowers in the specified colors.