Cataphyll (Noun)
Meaning
A reduced or scarcely developed leaf at the start of a plant's life (i.e., cotyledons) or in the early stages of leaf development.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The seedling's first leaves were actually cataphylls, which would soon wither and be replaced by true leaves.
- In some plants, the cataphylls are modified to form protective scales that shield the delicate young leaves.
- The botanist carefully examined the cataphylls on the newly germinated seedling to determine the species.
- Cataphylls are often mistaken for true leaves, but they lack the characteristic veins and shape of mature leaves.
- The cataphylls on the young fern frond were a deep purple color, gradually giving way to green as the plant matured.