prophyll
/ˈprəʊfɪl/Botany
noun
1The first leaf, or either of the first two leaves, on a lateral shoot, distinguishable (often smaller) in shape and form from later leaves. Compare earlier prophyllum.
- Among the various types of prophyll are the bracteoles on pedicels and the paleae of grasses..
2= protophyll rare.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Encyclopaedia Britannica. From pro- + -phyll.