In botany, a stipule is an outgrowth typically borne on both sides of the base of a leafstalk. Stipules are considered part of the anatomy of the leaf of a typical flowering plant, although in many species they may be inconspicuous —or sometimes entirely absent, and the leaf is then termed exstipulate. The word stipule was coined by Linnaeus from Latin stipula, straw, stalk.
Glandular stipule of Euphorbia pteroneura
Stipular spines on the mesquite tree (Prosopis pallida)
Fused together and leaf-like stipules of Alchemilla mollis
Leafy stipules at the base of a Rose leaf (Rosa canina)
In botany, the petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem. It is able to twist the leaf to face the sun, producing a characteristic foliage arrangement, and also optimizing its exposure to sunlight. Outgrowths appearing on each side of the petiole in some species are called stipules. The terms petiolate and apetiolate are applied respectively to leaves with and without petioles.
Leaf of Pyrus calleryana with petiole
Harvested rhubarb petioles with leaf blades attached
Acacia koa with phyllode between the branch and the compound leaves
Pulvina at both ends of the petiole. Elaeocarpus multiflorus