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.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Phyllody of the ovules.—Pending the settlement of the existing differences of opinion with reference to the morphological nature of the ovule and its component parts, much interest attaches to the malformations to which they are occasionally subject.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Some of the above are probably cases of mere virescence rather than of phyllody.

Read more on Project Gutenberg