Pedicel vs. Peduncle — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A pedicel is the slender stalk directly supporting an individual flower or fruit within an inflorescence. A peduncle is the main stem or stalk that holds up an entire inflorescence or solitary flower or fruit.
Difference Between Pedicel and Peduncle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In botanical terminology, both pedicel and peduncle refer to types of stalks, but they serve different functions and are found at different positions on the plant. The pedicel is the thin stem or stalk that supports an individual flower or fruit within a cluster known as an inflorescence. For instance, in a bunch of grapes, each grape is attached to the main cluster by its own pedicel.
In contrast, the peduncle is the primary stem or stalk that holds up either an entire inflorescence, a solitary flower, or a fruit. The peduncle is thicker and typically longer than the pedicel and acts as the main structural support for the flowering or fruiting section of the plant. Using the grape cluster example, the peduncle is the main stem that holds the entire bunch together.
Both terms, pedicel and peduncle, are rooted in Latin. "Pedicel" comes from "pes," meaning "foot," perhaps signifying its function as a kind of "foot" that holds the flower in place. "Peduncle" derives from "pedunculus," meaning "little foot," but in this context, it serves as more of a "leg" supporting the entire structure.
It's crucial to understand these terms, especially in fields like botany and horticulture, for the proper identification and classification of plant structures. While pedicels are more specific and localized, peduncles are broader and more generalized supports for flowers or fruits.
Comparison Chart
Function
Supports individual flower or fruit
Supports entire inflorescence
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Location
Within an inflorescence
Below the inflorescence
Relative Thickness
Thinner
Thicker
Length
Generally shorter
Generally longer
Example
Stalk of each grape in a cluster
Main stalk of a grape cluster
Compare with Definitions
Pedicel
The slender stalk supporting a single flower within a cluster.
Each cherry in the bunch has its own pedicel.
Peduncle
The main stalk that holds up an entire inflorescence.
The peduncle of the grape cluster was thick.
Pedicel
The stem segment between an individual fruit and the main stem.
The apple's pedicel was still attached when picked.
Peduncle
The primary stem supporting a solitary flower.
A long peduncle held the tulip aloft.
Pedicel
The portion of stalk directly connecting a fruit to its cluster.
I held the berry by its pedicel and plucked it off.
Peduncle
The primary supporting stem for a group of individual stalks.
The peduncle of the flower arrangement was sturdy.
Pedicel
The tiny stem holding a single bud within a flower bunch.
The pedicel of the rose bud was thin but strong.
Peduncle
A thicker, elongated stalk supporting a cluster of flowers or fruits.
The sunflower's peduncle was strong and erect.
Pedicel
A small stalk or stalklike part bearing a single flower in an inflorescence.
Peduncle
The main axis from which individual flower stems emerge.
The peduncle was the backbone of the entire flower bunch.
Pedicel
A support for a fern sporangium or moss capsule.
Peduncle
(Botany) The stalk of an inflorescence or a stalk bearing a solitary flower in a one-flowered inflorescence.
Pedicel
See pedicle.
Peduncle
(Zoology) A stalklike structure in invertebrate animals, usually serving as an attachment for a larger part or structure.
Pedicel
(botany) A stalk of an individual flower (or fruit, e.g., once fertilised); a stalk bearing a single flower or spore-producing body within a cluster.
Peduncle
(Anatomy) A stalklike bundle of nerve fibers connecting different parts of the brain.
Pedicel
(mycology) A stalk of a fungus fruiting body.
Peduncle
(Medicine) The stalklike base to which a polyp or tumor is attached.
Pedicel
(anatomy) A stalk-shaped body part; an anatomical part that resembles a stem or stalk.
Peduncle
(botany) The axis of an inflorescence; the stalk supporting an inflorescence.
Pedicel
(zoology) A narrow stalk-like body part connecting specific segments in certain insects and some other arthropods.
Peduncle
(botany) A short stalk at the base of a leaf or reproductive structure.
Pedicel
A petiole; the connection between the thorax and abdomen of an insect of suborder Apocrita.
Peduncle
(anatomy) A bundle of neurons connecting different parts of the brain.
Pedicel
The connection between the cephalothorax and abdomen of a spider.
Peduncle
(anatomy) In arthropods, the base segments of an antenna or stalk-like structures such as the peduncles of some barnacles
Pedicel
The second segment of the antenna of an insect, between the scape and the flagellum.
Peduncle
(anatomy) In vertebrates, the base of any relatively massive anatomical member connected to the body by a narrower section. Cf. caudal peduncle of fishes.
Pedicel
(zoology) The segment of an antler that attaches to the head of a cervid.
Peduncle
(anatomy) A stem attaching a mass of tissue (such as a polyp) to the body.
Pedicel
A stalk which supports one flower or fruit, whether solitary or one of many ultimate divisions of a common peduncle. See Peduncle, and Illust. of Flower.
Peduncle
(zoology) A collection of nerves in the appendage of an animal (such as the tip of a dolphin's tail).
Pedicel
A slender stem by which certain of the lower animals or their eggs are attached. See Illust. of Aphis lion.
Peduncle
The stem or stalk that supports the flower or fruit of a plant, or a cluster of flowers or fruits.
Pedicel
The ventral part of each side of the neural arch connecting with the centrum of a vertebra.
Peduncle
A sort of stem by which certain shells and barnacles are attached to other objects. See Illust. of Barnacle.
Pedicel
A small stalk bearing a single flower of an inflorescence; an ultimate division of a common peduncle
Peduncle
A band of nervous or fibrous matter connecting different parts of the brain; as, the peduncles of the cerebellum; the peduncles of the pineal gland.
Pedicel
A narrow stem serving as the attachment point for individual flowers.
Each daisy in the bouquet had a distinct pedicel.
Peduncle
The thin process of tissue that attaches a polyp to the body
Peduncle
Stalk bearing an inflorescence or solitary flower
Peduncle
A bundle of myelinated neurons joining different parts of the brain
Common Curiosities
What is a pedicel?
A pedicel is the slender stalk that supports an individual flower or fruit within an inflorescence.
Is the pedicel thinner than the peduncle?
Generally, yes, the pedicel is thinner and shorter than the peduncle.
What is the role of a peduncle?
The peduncle acts as the main structural support for the flowering or fruiting section of the plant.
Are pedicel and peduncle the same?
No, a pedicel supports an individual flower, while a peduncle supports an entire cluster of flowers or fruits.
Are these terms used in botany?
Yes, both terms are commonly used in botany and horticulture for plant identification.
Can a solitary flower have a pedicel?
Yes, a solitary flower can have a pedicel if it's the only flower emerging from a peduncle.
Can a plant have multiple pedicels?
Yes, in an inflorescence, each individual flower or fruit will have its own pedicel.
What is a peduncle?
A peduncle is the main stem or stalk that supports an entire inflorescence or a solitary flower or fruit.
What's the origin of the word 'pedicel'?
The term 'pedicel' is derived from Latin "pes," meaning "foot."
Do all plants have pedicels and peduncles?
No, not all plants will have distinct pedicels and peduncles; it varies by species.
What's the origin of the word 'peduncle'?
The term 'peduncle' comes from the Latin "pedunculus," meaning "little foot."
Is a pedicel part of a peduncle?
In a way, yes; pedicels are the individual stems that extend from a main peduncle in an inflorescence.
Can pedicels be longer than peduncles?
It's uncommon but possible, depending on the specific plant species.
Can a plant have both pedicels and peduncles?
Yes, many flowering plants will have both pedicels and peduncles.
Are these terms used in any other fields?
While primarily botanical terms, they might be used metaphorically in other fields.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
