Specialized leaves that are also often employed to attract the attention of pollinators. Bracts differ from the plant’s regular leaves in that they are often smaller, can be more brightly colored, and are located in proximity to the flower.
Image Above: Spotted knapweed has stiff bracts topped with dark comb-like fringe giving beneath the flowers, giving the plant its spotted appearance.
Definition adapted from URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bract
Image from URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/spf/fhp/weed_book/pages/spottedknap.html