Definition
phyllodium
noun
- A flattened petiole or leaf stalk that functions as a leaf blade, commonly found in certain plants such as acacias.
Usage: botanical term; plural: phyllodia
Examples
- The acacia tree's phyllodium is actually a modified petiole that performs photosynthesis.
- Many Australian acacias have phyllodia instead of true compound leaves.
- The phyllodium allows the plant to reduce water loss in arid environments.
- Botanists distinguish between a phyllodium and a true leaf blade by examining the plant's anatomy.