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- A flattened stem that is leaf-like in
- appearance and function. It is an adaptation
- to dry conditions because a stem contains
- fewer stomata than a leaf, and water loss is
- thus minimized. The true leaves are usually
- reduced to spines or small scales. Examples
- of plants with cladodes are butcher's broom
- Ruscus aculeatus, asparagus, and certain
- cacti. Cladodes may bear flowers or fruit on
- their surface and this distinguishes them
- from leaves.
-