bract

noun

(L. bractea: thin metal plate) A modified leaf, growing at the base or on the stalk of a flower. It usually differs from other leaves in shape or color. A leaf-like structure, different in form from the foliage leaves and without an axillary bud, associated with an inflorescence or flower. A more or less modified leaf subtending a flower or belonging to an inflorescence, or sometimes cauline. the similar structure in cryptogams surrounding reproductive organs. A leaf from the axil of which a flower or floral axis arises. A leaf borne on a floral axis; especially one subtending a flower or flower cluster; a more or less modified leaf subtending a flower or belonging to an inflorescence, or sometimes cauline. The similar structure in cryptogams surrounding reproductive organs. A modified leaf providing an axil for a flower or inflorescence to grow from, or found on a flowering stem. In conifers, one of the main structures arising from the cone axis.