Definition

1. Noun (Botany):
   • Stipule: A small, leaf-like appendage typically found at the base of a leaf stalk (petiole) in many plants. Stipules often occur in pairs and can vary in form, appearing as scales, spines, or leaf-like structures. Their primary functions include protection of the developing leaf bud and, in some species, photosynthesis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cây đậu có lá kèm rất rõ. (The bean plant has very distinct stipules.)
  • Lá kèm của cây hoa hồng biến đổi thành gai. (The rose plant's stipules are modified into thorns.)
  • Nhà thực vật học nghiên cứu hình thái của lá kèm. (The botanist studies the morphology of the stipule.)

Advanced Usage

• "Stipulate" (Adjective): Describing a plant part that bears stipules.

  • Lá của cây này có cuống lá kèm. (The leaves of this plant have a stipulate petiole.)

• "Stipular" (Adjective): Of or relating to stipules.

  • Đây là một đặc điểm thuộc về lá kèm. (This is a stipular characteristic.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lá bắc (n): Bract; a modified leaf associated with a flower or inflorescence, different from a stipule.
• Lá phụ (n): A general term for a secondary or accessory leaf structure, which can sometimes contextually refer to stipules.

Synonyms

• Stipule: The direct and primary synonym in botanical English.
• Appendage: A more general term for a projecting part, which can include stipules.

Related Botanical Terms

• Stipular spine: A stipule that is modified into a sharp, pointed structure for defense.

  • Cây keo có lá kèm dạng gai. (The acacia tree has stipular spines.)

• Stipular tendril: A stipule that is modified into a slender, coiling structure used for climbing.

  • Tua cuốn của một số cây leo thực chất là lá kèm biến đổi. (The tendrils of some climbing plants are actually modified stipules.)