page_title: Cataphyll
hierarchical_section_title: Cataphyll
caption_attribution_description: English: This winter bud shows signs of beginning to swell and break dormancy.
context_page_description: In plant morphology, a cataphyll is a reduced, small leaf. Many plants have both "true leaves" which perform the majority of photosynthesis, and cataphylls that are modified to perform other specialized functions.
  Cataphylls include bracts, bracteoles, and bud scales, as well as any small leaves that resemble scales, which are known as scale leaves. Some cataphylls have a primary function other than photosynthesis. The functions of cataphylls such as bud scales may be short-lived and they are often shed after the need for them is past.
context_section_description: In plant morphology, a cataphyll (sometimes also called a cataphyllum, or cataphyll leaf) is a reduced, small leaf. Many plants have both "true leaves" (euphylls) which perform the majority of photosynthesis, and cataphylls that are modified to perform other specialized functions.
  Cataphylls include bracts, bracteoles, and bud scales, as well as any small leaves that resemble scales, which are known as scale leaves. Some cataphylls have a primary function other than photosynthesis. The functions of cataphylls such as bud scales may be short-lived and they are often shed after the need for them is past.
caption: Leaf bud of American Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua); the cataphylls covering the bud show a little chlorophyll, but they will be shed instead of growing into photosynthetic leaves.
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