What is a bract?

What is a bract?

• A. A leaf-like structure at the base of a flower or inflorescence
• B. The stalk of a leaf
• C. The male reproductive organ
• D. The female reproductive organ

Answer: (A)

Bracts are leaf-like structures that surround or subtend a flower or inflorescence. They are modified leaves, not part of the reproductive organs, and often serve protective or visual roles. For example, bracts can shield developing floral parts or be vividly colored to attract pollinators, as seen in Bougainvillea's bright surrounding structures or the conspicuous bracts around a dogwood’s flower cluster. This distinguishes them from the stalk of a leaf (petiole) and from the male or female reproductive organs (stamens or pistils).

Bracts are leaf-like structures that surround or subtend a flower or inflorescence. They are modified leaves, not part of the reproductive organs, and often serve protective or visual roles. For example, bracts can shield developing floral parts or be vividly colored to attract pollinators, as seen in Bougainvillea's bright surrounding structures or the conspicuous bracts around a dogwood’s flower cluster. This distinguishes them from the stalk of a leaf (petiole) and from the male or female reproductive organs (stamens or pistils).