Stipe (botany)

In botany, the stipe refers to the stalk or stem-like feature supporting a structure. The exact definition and application of the term depend on the plant group being discussed. It is generally used to describe a supporting structure that isn't a true stem (like a trunk or branch) but serves a similar function of elevating and supporting another structure.

Specifically, the term "stipe" is commonly encountered in descriptions of:

• Mushrooms and other fungi: The stipe is the stalk that supports the cap (pileus) of the mushroom. It connects the cap to the substrate and provides vertical support. The stipe may possess various features such as a ring (annulus), volva, or scales, which are important for identification.

• Seaweeds (algae): In some species of seaweeds, particularly kelp, the stipe is the stem-like part that connects the holdfast (the anchoring structure) to the blade (the leaf-like part). The stipe provides support and elevates the blade into the water column for better access to sunlight and nutrients.

• Ferns: While most ferns have rhizomes (underground stems), the term stipe can refer to the petiole, which is the stalk connecting the blade (the leafy part, also called a frond) to the rhizome. It serves as a supporting structure and vascular connection between the frond and the rest of the plant.

The characteristics of the stipe, such as its length, width, texture, color, and presence of any appendages or markings, are often important taxonomic features used in the identification and classification of these organisms.