1. A flattened petiole or leaf stalk that functions as a leaf and performs photosynthesis, typically found in plants such as acacias.
Usage: botanical term; also called a cladode in some contexts

Examples

• The acacia tree's phyllodes are actually modified leaf stalks, not true leaves.
• In many Australian acacias, phyllodes have replaced the compound leaves entirely.
• The green phyllode performs the same photosynthetic function as a conventional leaf blade.
• Botanists study phyllodes to understand how plants adapt to arid environments.
• The plant's phyllodes are arranged vertically to reduce water loss in the hot climate.