Cladode (Noun)
Meaning
A flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The prickly pear cactus uses a cladode to photosynthesize, rather than a traditional leaf structure.
- Ruscus aculeatus is an example of a plant that produces cladodes which are often mistaken for leaves.
- Cladodes allow certain cacti to minimize water loss by reducing the surface area exposed to the environment.
- Some plants produce flattened cladodes with waxy coatings to help prevent water loss through transpiration.
- In botany, a cladode is defined as a flattened stem that functions like a leaf for photosynthesis and growth.