Stipule persistence

  • Title

    Stipule persistence

  • Definition

    In the Rubiaceae, the persistency of the stipules provides a useful character for identifying genera and subgenera. Readily caducous stipules are present only when the leaves are in bud; caducous stipules are present during leaf development but fall before the leaves fall; and persistent stipules are still present after the leaves of their node fall.

  • *For more educational content, please visit The Hand Lens and explore our herbarium collections and the stories they tell.