Leaf modifications
Leaves can be modified into several forms:
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SPINES function to protect the plant (eg. barberry).
TENDRILS support the stems of climbing plants
BRACTS are leaves associated with flowers; they may be green or brightly colored and mistaken for petals
Scale leaves provide protection for buds and can be further modified for food storage to form a bulb
The white "petals" of flowering dogwood are really bracts.