Types of Stipules: Meaning and Uses

Plant anatomy is the study of the structure of plant cells and tissues using high-powered microscopic devices. It consists of three parts: the leaf, the stem and the root.

• A leaf is a flattened green part that arises from the stem of the plant.
• The primary function of the leaf is to create food for the plant by the process of photosynthesis.
• The structure of leaves includes broad expanded blades that are attached to the stem by the petiole.
• This blade-like structure in the leaf is called a lamina.
• Another important component of the leaf structure is stipules.
• Stipules are defined as the form of structure that is present on each side of the leaf base.
• Stipules usually come in pairs.

Key Terms: Stipules, Leaf, Photosynthesis, Lamina, Plant , Cells, Tissues, Root, Exstipulate, Maturation Stage

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What is Stipule?

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A stipule is a type of outgrowth that arises either on both sides or one side of the base of the leaf. 

Stipule

• In simpler terms, stipules refer to the small leaves of a plant.
• The term stipule is coined by a Latin word meaning straw or stalk.
• Stipules are mainly found in the flowering plants.
• The plants in which stipules are not found are called exstipulate.
• The life cycle of a stipule is short, and gets carbuncle after the maturation stage.

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Types of Stipules

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Stipules are divided into different categories on the basis of shape and size and duration, which are as follows:

Types of Stipules on the basis of shape and size

On the basis of shape and size stipules is divided into nine categories which are as follows:

Types of Stipules on the basis of shape and size

• Free Lateral Stipule: These types of stipules are found on the base of the petiole and belong to the family of Malvace. For example: China Rose
• Adnate Stipules: This is the second type of stipule in which two stipules are attached in such a way that they appear winged. For example: Rosaceae
• Intrapetiolar Stipules: When stipules are found on the both sides of the opposing leaves and placed on the axle of the leaf. In this case leaves are joined by the inner margin. It belongs to the family of Rubiaceae.
• Interpetiolar Stipules: This category of stipules are small lanceolate bodies that are joined by the outer margin of the leaves. For example: Rangan
• Foliaceous Stipules: This type of stipule forms a large leaf-like structure on both sides of the leaf base. It is sometimes modified into tendril and triangular shapes. For example: Jangli Matar
• Ochreate Stipules: In this type of stipule several different types of stipules combine to form a sheath like structure. They belong to the family of Polygonaceae. For example: Chuka Palang
• Convoluted Stipules: This type of stipule will undergo the modification process to form a scale like structure. It is also called bud stipules. For example: Moraceae
• Spinous Stipules: These stipules consist of sharp spines that will act as defensive structures. For example: Acacia Nilotica
• Tendrillar Stipules: When stipules form a tendrillar structure which will help the plant to climb up it is called Tendrillar Stipules. For example: Smilax

Types of Stipules on the basis of duration

On the basis of duration stipules is divided into three categories which are as follows:

• Caducous: In this category stipules fall before time when leaf unfolds.
• Deciduous: In this category, stipules fall immediately after closing when the leaf unfolds.
• Persistent: In this category, stipules remain attached to the leaf.

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Uses of Stipules

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The function of stipules are as follows:

• The most important function of stipules involves protection of the bud of the leaf.
• It helps in the retention of molecules of moisture within the margins of the leaf.
• Stipules help in the generation of large amounts of photosynthesis.
• It stimulates the normal functioning of different parts of the leaf.
• Spiny stipules provide protection against animals and other living organisms.
• It helps in climbing plants by working as climbing tendrils.

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Things to Remember

• Stipules are part of a leaf that are found on the base of the petiole.
• They are mainly found near the base of the leaf.
• Stipules structure can easily be found in dicotyledons.
• They appear in the shape of hairs, spines, glands or scales.
• Stipules are divided on the basis of shape and duration cycle.
• It can be used to generate large amounts of photosynthesis.

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