1. One of the leaf-like bracts or scales that form the involucre (outer covering) of a flower head, especially in plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae).
Usage: botanical term; usually used in plural form (phyllaries)

Examples

• The phyllaries of the sunflower form a protective layer around the developing florets.
• Botanists examined the phyllaries to help identify the species of daisy.
• The arrangement and shape of the phyllaries are important diagnostic features in plant taxonomy.
• Each phyllary overlaps slightly with its neighbors, creating a neat spiral pattern.
• The green phyllaries gradually transition to the yellow petals of the flower head.