The things on the ends of leaves

[Mark Knowles]

It is not important, but there are a few examples of objects that have been attached to the ends of leaves and so dangling from them. I was just curious as to what they are. I don't need to know, but it seems a bit odd to me.

These may be the only examples. Though there are other objects attached to plants, I think.

I can think of examples where they seems to be something like a ring around the "trunk" of the plant above the roots. I don't know what they are either.

Are they to protect the ends of leaves or encourage leaves to grow longer or absorbing something from the leaves or feeding the leaves or .....

What is the name of these? When and where were they used?

In case it isn't clear what I am referring to I have reattached the images with the parts highlighted in red.