What is the Difference Between Phylloclade and Cladode?

The terms phylloclade and cladode refer to flattened, photosynthetic shoots that are usually considered to be modified branches. Here are the differences between the two:

• Phylloclade:
• Modification of the entire stem.
• Flattened, green, leaf-like, and performs photosynthesis.
• Examples: Opuntia, Casuarina.
• Cladode:
• Modification of only a single internode of the stem.
• Flattened, green, leaf-like, and performs photosynthesis.
• Examples: Asparagus.

Both phylloclades and cladodes are involved in photosynthesis, but they differ in the extent of the modification and the part of the stem they affect. In summary, a phylloclade is the modification of the entire stem, while a cladode is the modification of only a single internode of the stem.

Comparative Table: Phylloclade vs Cladode

Here is a table summarizing the differences between phylloclades and cladodes:

Phyllocades are flattened branches with many nodes and internodes, while cladodes are modified stems with only one long internode. Phyllocades have unlimited growth, whereas cladodes have limited growth. Both structures are photosynthetic and serve the function of leaves in certain plants.