JohnnyMilkweed on Nostr: The Colleter (specifically a foliar or stipular colleter) on milkweed occur always ...

The Colleter (specifically a foliar or stipular colleter) on milkweed occur always but are rarely seen. They secrete a sticky, protective substance (often composed of mucilage, proteins, or resins) that helps coat and protect developing young buds and shoot apices from desiccation, pests, or pathogens before the leaves fully expand. This structure has undergone a form of hypertrophy or foliaceous growth (often generally called an enation), causing the glands to grow into large, fuzzy, leaf-like lobes that mimic miniature leaves or stipules.