This glossary definition is part of the Purdue Arboretum learning resource database, providing educational information on campus flora, morphology, and botanical terminology.
Petiole
Leaf-stalk. Botanists use this feature to describe leaf shape, surface, edge, or arrangement, which helps with plant identification.
Did you know?
The petiole helps position the leaf blade so it can capture light efficiently without shading nearby leaves.
The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations