IPA: /ˈoʊkriə/
KK: /ˈoʊkriə/
A type of sheath or covering, especially around the stem of certain plants, particularly in the family Polygonaceae.
The ochrea protects the young shoots of the plant as they grow.
Ochrea comes from Latin 'ochrea' (meaning a greave or leg covering). The word refers to a type of protective covering for the leg, often made of leather or metal.
Think of 'ochrea' as a protective covering for the leg, similar to armor, which helps you remember that it refers to a leg covering.