Stalks

Stalks are slender plant axes that support and connect organs to the plant body. In botany, a stalk can refer to any stalk‑like structure that attaches an organ—such as a leaf, a flower, or a fruit—to the plant. A leaf stalk is called a petiole, while the stalk of a flower or fruit is typically called a peduncle. The term stalk is sometimes used for the main axis of a plant in casual speech, but botanists more often reserve "stem" for that role and use "stalk" for the supporting structures of leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Stalk tissue generally contains vascular tissue, including xylem and phloem, and serves both transport and mechanical functions. Petioles position leaves for light capture, while peduncles bear the weight of flowers and fruits. Some stalks are edible or economically important; for example, celery stalks are leaf petioles, corn stalks are the plant’s main culms, and cane or bamboo stalks (culms) are used for sugar, fiber, and timber.

Other contexts use the term stalk. In mushrooms, the stalk is called the stipe and supports the cap. In agriculture, dried cereal stalks become straw, a byproduct used for bedding, fodder, or insulation. Understanding stalk morphology helps explain how plants allocate resources among stems, leaves, and reproductive structures and how stalk form adapts to different environments and uses.