Petiole
/PET-ee-ohl/🔬 Anatomy● Basic
Also known as: leaf stalk, leaf stem
The slender stalk connecting the leaf blade (lamina) to the stem or branch. The petiole conducts water and nutrients between the stem and leaf, and allows the leaf to be positioned for optimal light capture. Leaves without petioles are called sessile.
Etymology
From Latin petiolus, diminutive of pes (foot).
Example
“The long petioles of aspen leaves allow them to flutter in the slightest breeze.”