noun
- small leaf-like structures at the base of leaflets in compound leaves
Usage: botanical
Examples
- The botanist pointed out the tiny stipels at the base of each leaflet.
- Stipels are found in some leguminous plants like beans and peas.
- The presence of stipels helps distinguish this species from similar ones.
- Under the microscope, the stipels appeared as small, scale-like appendages.
- Not all compound leaves have stipels, making them a useful identifying feature.