Bracts
Bracts
Bracts (pronounced: /brækts/) are modified or specialized leaves, especially those associated with flowers or inflorescences.
Etymology
The term "bract" is derived from the Latin word "bractea", which means a thin piece of metal or gold leaf. It was first used in botany in the early 19th century.
Definition
Bracts are often different from the regular leaves of a plant, they may be smaller, larger, or of a different color, shape, or texture. In some cases, they perform functions similar to petals in attracting pollinators.
Types of Bracts
There are several types of bracts, including:
- Spathe: A large, often colorful bract that encloses a spadix.
- Involucre: A group of bracts that form a whorl around a flower or flower cluster.
- Epicalyx: A group of bracts resembling a calyx or outermost whorl of a flower.
Related Terms
- Inflorescence: The complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers.
- Sepal: The outer parts of the flower (often green and leaf-like) that enclose a developing bud.
- Petal: The parts of a flower that are often brightly colored or unusually shaped to attract pollinators.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bracts
- Wikipedia's article - Bracts
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