Can an entire plant stem be described as a "peduncle"?

Or is the peduncle purely the part of a stem arising after the last set of leaves, nearest to the flower? In this picture,

http://images.harc.edu/Sites/GalvBayInvasives/Species/Photos/ALPH_1391180.jpg

can the whole stalk be called a peduncle, or does the peduncle begin after the highest leaves?

 

Hi Simon,

No, just the part supporting the flower or fruit.

As far as I can remember the stem was described as internodes, between the parts where it divided, and nodes, where the leaves or peduncles form. But botany may have been updated since I studied it.

Its easier if you had a mushroom, then its just "Stipe":D

Anyone else think that "Peduncle" sounds like a relative who you wouldn't want to baby sit ?

 

I'm supposed to know this... *goes an refers to botanical crib which I should know cover to cover by next week for my basic taxonomy test:o*

**Edit**
from a quick look at the notes I have I'd go with Ziggy's answer:thumb:

 

"from a quick look at the notes I have I'd go with Ziggy's answer:thumb:"

Many have, but some have floundered :D

Think about the pedunculate oak, then think about the sessile oak............................................................................

















Now i've got you thinking about Oak trees, isn't that nice for a sunday evening.:yez:

 

I would agree with Ziggy - I understand the peduncle is the stem part of the flower. As they say of 'peduncles' its good to keep it within the family. :D.

 

I can thik of worse things to think about on a Sunday evening, than oak trees

 

I was thiking that too Aaron, on my second rum now & thinking about crashing out :thumb:

http://www.archiemiles.co.uk/Oak_Gallery1.html

 

Talking of peduncles.............

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFhO7EU08Tg"]YouTube - Keith Moon - Fiddling About[/nomedia]

This could sum it up. Sorry to hijack your homework Simon :hehe:

 

Simon. When you have a flower on a stalk and you cut off the flower part of the stalk will also die back - I think that is the peduncle. It will die back till it reaches the main stem.

 

I am worried about this 'peduncle' now. :lollol:

 

Thank you all for your help.