petiole
Quick Summary
The petiole is a slender stem that supports the blade of a foliage leaf. It is also referred to as a leaf stalk. In some plants, like ferns, the petiole is called a stipe. The petiole connects the leaf blade to the leaf base, which attaches to the stem.123
The structure of petioles can vary significantly between plant species, with different vascular strand patterns that can even help in classifying plant genera and families. In some cases, like in water hyacinths, swollen petioles help the plant float. The term "petiole" can also refer to a slender abdominal segment in insects that attaches the abdomen to the thorax.2341
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leafLeaf morphology…plant stem by a stalklike petiole. In angiosperms leaves commonly have a pair of structures known as stipules, which are located on each side of the leaf base and may resemble scales, spines, glands, or leaflike structures. Leaves are, however, quite diverse in size, shape, and various other characteristics, including…
Read More…plant stem by a stalklike petiole. In angiosperms leaves commonly have a pair of structures known as stipules, which are located on each side of the leaf base and may resemble scales, spines, glands, or leaflike structures. Leaves are, however, quite diverse in size, shape, and various other characteristics, including…
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angiospermLeavesThe petiole is a stalk that connects the blade with the leaf base. The blade is the major photosynthetic surface of the plant and appears green and flattened in a plane perpendicular to the stem.
Read MoreThe petiole is a stalk that connects the blade with the leaf base. The blade is the major photosynthetic surface of the plant and appears green and flattened in a plane perpendicular to the stem.
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