1. Plural of phyllary; the modified leaves or bracts that form the involucre (outer covering) of a flower head in plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae).
Usage: botanical term; plural form

Examples

• The phyllaries of the sunflower are arranged in overlapping rows beneath the flower head.
• Botanists examined the phyllaries to identify the plant species.
• The green phyllaries protect the developing florets inside the flower head.
• Different daisy species have phyllaries with distinct shapes and textures.
• The phyllaries gradually transition into the true petals of the flower.