Scale Leaf (Noun)
Meaning
A specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The dormant willow catkin was wrapped in a protective scale leaf that would fall away as it began to bloom.
- Scale leaves covering the floral buds of the ornamental plant provided adequate protection from harsh winter temperatures.
- Plants often have tiny scale leaves to shield delicate growth, particularly during initial development stages.
- As spring approached, the delicate buds began to protrude beyond their protecting scale leaves.
- Researchers realized that certain plants have highly specialized scale leaves to shield their buds and preserve precious moisture within.