'apophyllous' originates from Modern Latin/New Latin, ultimately from Greek, specifically from the Greek elements 'a-' and 'phyllon', where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'phyllon' meant 'leaf'.

'apophyllous' was formed from Greek roots (compare Greek 'aphyllos' meaning 'without leaves') via New Latin botanical usage and entered modern English as 'apophyllous'.

Initially, it meant 'without leaves' in botanical contexts, and this meaning has been retained in current usage.