phyllody

[ fil-uh-dee ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the abnormal transformation of a floral structure into a foliage leaf.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyllody¹

First recorded in 1885–90; phyllode + -y ³

Example Sentences

This change is called phyllody of bracts, and is seen in species of Plantago, especially in the variety of Plantago media, called the rose-plantain in gardens, where the bracts become leafy and form a rosette round the flowering axis.

From Project Gutenberg

On the whole, taking in consideration cases of partial frondescence, as well as those in which most of the parts of the flower are affected, phyllody would seem to be most common in the petals and carpels, least so in the case of the stamens and sepals.

From Project Gutenberg

Phyllody in inflorescence of Conifers.—This demands passing notice by reason of the interest attaching to the morphological construction of these plants.

From Project Gutenberg

In some cases the phyllody of the sepals has a special interest, as bearing on the question whether what is termed calyx-tube is or is not a portion of the calyx, and whether the sepals are modifications of the blade or of the sheath of the leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

Phyllody of the stamens happens less frequently than the corresponding condition in the neighbouring organs.

From Project Gutenberg