Phylloclad is a term used to describe a type of foliage where the leaves are modified into flattened, leaf-like structures that serve the same function as regular leaves. This unique feature can be seen in some plant species, notably in desert plants such as cacti and succulents. Synonyms for phylloclad include flattened stems, cladodes, and phyllodes. The term cladode refers to a leaf-like stem while phyllode describes an expanded petiole or leaf stalk. These words are often used interchangeably to describe plants with modified leaves, but each represents a different type of foliage modification.