phyllody

American  

[fil-uh-dee] / ˈfɪl ə di /

noun

Botany.

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

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Etymology

Origin of phyllody

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

The examination of the arrangement of the veins is often of assistance in determining this point; for instance, if, under ordinary circumstances, the venation of the petal be such as is characteristic of the sheath of the leaf, while in the green-coloured flower of the same species the venation is more like that which belongs to the blade of the leaf, the inference would, of course, be that the green colour was due to frondescence or phyllody.

From Project Gutenberg

In instances where the organs are formed successively in spiral order, we meet with such changes as median prolification, petalody, and phyllody.

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