Cladodes

/ˈklædoʊdz/ noun

Definition

Plural form of cladode; multiple modified plant stems that look and function like leaves.

Etymology

Standard English plural of cladode, formed by adding '-s' to the Greek-derived singular form meaning 'branch-form.'

Kelly Says

The prickly pear cactus is covered in cladodes—those flat green pads are actually branches, and what look like leaves have been replaced by spines, creating one of nature's cleverest water-saving strategies.

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