Difference between Pedicel and Peduncle

Pedicel and peduncle are both botanical terms referring to parts of flowering plants. A pedicel is the stalk that connects an individual flower to the main stem or inflorescence of the plant. It supports the flower and often has small structures like sepals attached to it.

On the other hand, a peduncle is a larger stalk that supports an entire cluster or group of flowers or inflorescence. It originates from the main stem of the plant and can bear multiple flowers. In this article, we will study the differences between the pedicel and peduncle in detail.

What is a Pedicel?

A pedicel is a stalk or slender support structure that connects a flower or fruit to a stem or branch. The pedicel in plants plays a crucial role in providing support and facilitating the transport of nutrients and water to the flower or fruit. Many pedicels can arise from a single peduncle. The thickness, length, and structure of the pedicle can vary depending from plant species to species. They can be stout or slender.

For example, in a cherry tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum), the pedicel allows the cherry tomato fruit to hang from the plant while it develops and ripens. In case of flowers, it attaches a single flower to the inflorescence (rose).

Functions of Pedicel

Functions of the pedicels are:

1. Provides structural support to the flower or fruit.
2. It is the point of attachment to the flower or fruit, allowing it to position the flower for pollination, fertilization and further seed development.
3. Helps in facilitating nutrients and water, ensuring proper development and growth.

What is a Peduncle in Plants?

A peduncle is a stalk or axis that supports a group of flowers (influorescence) or a sessile flower. Flowers are not connected to the peduncles directly. As compared to pedicel, peduncles are thicker. The length and thickness can depend upon the plant species. Peduncles play a crucial role in supporting flowers, elevating them above the foliage to facilitate pollination, seed dispersal, and exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis. Overall, it supports the reproductive process of the plant.

For example, some flowers are directly connected to the stem of the plant and are known as sessile flowers, as in case of sunflowers (Helianthus annus), cluster of grapes.

Functions of Peduncle in Plants

Functions of the peduncle are as follows:

1. It provides support to the entire inflorescence rather than supporting a single flower/fruit
2. It positions the inflorescence from the plant in such a way that maximizes exposure to pollinators and sunlight.
3. Peduncle exhibits some degree of flexibility allowing the infloresence to move with wind for pollen dispersal.

Difference Between Pedicel and Peduncle

The basic differences between pedicle and peduncle are as follows:

Features	Pedicle	Peduncle
Definition	It is a stalk that attaches a flower or a fruit directly to the stem or a branch of a plant.	It is a stalk that supports an inflorescence (cluster of flowers) or a single flower
Point of attachment	Attach a flower or fruit to a branch or a stem directly through a receptacle.	It arises from the stem and supports the entire inflorescence or a single flower
Example	Sunflower, hibiscus.	Bunch of grapes.
Role	Hold flowers and provide nutrients.	It provides support to the inflorescence and elevates it for better exposure of flowers to the pollinators.
Appearance	Short and stout.	Long and slender
Origin	Pedicle arises from the bract or axil of a leaf.	Arises from the main stem.
Number	One pedicle bears one flower/friut.	One peduncle can bear multiple friuts or flowers.
Branching	Unbranced.	Branched/unbranched.
Floral arrangement	Found in solidary fruits and flowers.	Found in inflorescence and clusters.

Conclusion: Difference Between Pedicel and Peduncle

The pedicle and peduncle are impotant components of plant anatomy and each serving an important role in reproductive process. Together these structures facilitate the transportation of nutrients, helps in exposure of the floral part of the plant to pollinators and sunlight thus contributing to the survival of the plant. Understanding the roles of these plant parts help in better understanding their respective roles. Hence, the difference between pedicle and peduncle focuses on distinct roles and characteristices of various parts of a plant in context of plant anatomy and reproduction.

FAQs on Difference Between Pedicel and Peduncle

What is a Rachis?

The central or main axis of an inflorescence or a compound leaf is referred to as rachis (pl: rachises). It is the central axis from where the other plant structures such as flowers, leaves etc branch out.

What is Umbel Inflorescence?

Umbel inflorescence is a type of inflorescence in which the flower cluster resembles the shape of an umbrella in which many flowers form a group by attaching with multiple pedicles. Example: flowers of the daisy family

What is called a Peduncle?

A stalk or a stem that supports an inflorescence or a single flower is referred to as a peduncle. It is the main axis from where the flower arises.

What do you Mean by Pedicle?

Pedicle is a short stalk like structure that connects an individual flower or a fruit to the stem or branch of a plant. It arises from the axil of a leaf or bract and functions to elevate the flowers for better pollination.

What is the Main Difference Between a Pedicle and a Peduncle?

The main difference lies in the function and attachment points. The pedicle attaches to a flower or a fruit while the peduncle supports inflorescence.

Are Pedicles Found in All Plant Types?

Yes, a plant possesses a pedicle and peduncle which helps us to differentiate between different botanical families and thus helps in the characterisation and identification of a species of a plant in the field of botany.

What is the Difference Between Pedicle and Receptacle?

Pedicle is attaches flower to main stem while receptacle is a swollen tip of pedicel where all the parts of flower are attached.