bract

noun

1. A leaf or leaf-like structure from the axil out of which a stalk of a flower or an inflorescence arises.

   “In this vegetable monster the bractes, or divisions of the spike, become wonderfully enlarged; and are converted into leaves.”

   “A Verticil or Whirl may be[…]Naked; that is without involucre, bracte or brittle. Bracted - or Involucred”

   “Great dense patches of them grew, four and five and six feet deep, impenetrable swathes of dark green bracts that advertised their danger.”