Cladodes (also called cladophylls or phylloclades) are shoot systems in which leaves do not develop; rather, the stems become flattened and assume the photosynthetic functions of the plant. In asparagus (Asparagus officinalis; Asparagaceae), the scales found on the asparagus spears are the true leaves.

What is Cladophyll in plants?

(also cladode), the modified shoot of plants with a flattened foliaceous stem, which performs the functions of a leaf. They form in various plants, including asparagus and smilax. ... Sometimes cladophylls that stop growing early and resemble leaves are called phylloclades—for example, Ruscus and Phyllocactus.

What is Phylloclade explain?

Phylloclade is a special modified photosynthetic stem present mostly in xerophytes. They have a reduction in leaf size, early leaf fall, the formation of scaly leaves, spine, thorns, cuticle etc to reduce transpiration. In such cases, the stem becomes flattened and carry out photosynthesis.