1. flattened stems that function as leaves in certain plants
Usage: botanical term; plural of cladode

Examples

• The prickly pear cactus has green cladodes instead of true leaves.
• Cladodes perform photosynthesis like regular leaves but are actually modified stems.
• The flat, paddle-shaped cladodes of the cactus store water efficiently.
• Botanists can identify cladodes by their stem-like structure and leaf-like function.
• Many desert plants develop cladodes as an adaptation to dry conditions.
• The cladodes of some plants can produce flowers and fruits directly from their surface.