In botany, a small scale-like or undeveloped leaf, especially one that appears early in plant growth or protects developing buds.
From Greek 'cata-' (down, lower) + 'phyllon' (leaf). A botanical term coined to describe leaves that are reduced or modified in function.
Plants are engineer geniuses—cataphylls are like protective packaging that buds wear during winter, falling away when the real leaves are ready to do photosynthesis!
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