Aphyllose

/æˈfɪˌloʊs/ adjective

Definition

Describing a plant or organism that lacks leaves or leaflike structures.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'phyllon' (leaf) + '-ose' (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'resembling', used here in negation). A botanical descriptive term formed in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Parasitic plants like dodder are aphyllose nightmares for farmers—they're leafless vines that wrap around host plants and literally steal their nutrients, like botanical vampires.

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