caudicle

The term "caudicle" refers to a slender, stalk-like appendage found in the pollen masses of orchids. This structure plays a role in orchid reproduction.1

In orchids, pollen grains are often bound together into masses called pollinia. The caudicle is a part of these pollinia, connecting them to other structures within the flower's reproductive system. This specialized anatomy aids in the transfer of pollen, typically by insects, which is crucial for the fertilization and subsequent development of orchid seeds. The term "caudicle" itself is derived from the Latin word for "tail".21