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Stipule

/STIP-yool/
🔬 Anatomy●● Intermediate

A paired outgrowth found at the base of the petiole where it joins the stem. Stipules vary widely in form — they can be leaf-like, thorny (as in black locust), tendril-like, or sheath-like. Some fall off early (caducous) while others persist.

Etymology

From Latin stipula, meaning "stalk, straw."

Example

Rose stems have conspicuous stipules fused to the base of each leaf petiole.

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