cataphyll
Sign in to savethumb|The stems of Athrotaxis are covered with small flat pointed leaves called "scale leaves" or "cataphylls". In plant morphology, a cataphyll (sometimes also called a cataphyllum or cataphyll leaf) is a reduced, small leaf. Many plants have both "true leaves" (euphylls), which perform most of the photosynthesis, and cataphylls, which are modified to perform other functions.
~3 min read
Article
6 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Forms
- Cotyledons as cataphylls
- Corm scales
- See also
- References
thumb|The stems of Athrotaxis are covered with small flat pointed leaves called "scale leaves" or "cataphylls". In plant morphology, a cataphyll (sometimes also called a cataphyllum or cataphyll leaf) is a reduced, small leaf. Many plants have both "true leaves" (euphylls), which perform most of the photosynthesis, and cataphylls, which are modified to perform other functions.
Cataphylls include bracts, bracteoles and bud scales, as well as any small leaves that resemble scales, known as scale leaves. The functions of cataphylls, such as bud scales, may be short-lived, and they are often shed after their function is fulfilled.