What is the Difference Between Pedicel and Peduncle?

The main difference between a pedicel and a peduncle lies in the role they play in supporting flowers and inflorescences. Here are the key differences:

• Pedicel: A pedicel is a thin stalk that supports an individual flower (or fruit) of an inflorescence (or infructescence). It connects the single flower to the inflorescence and is usually seen in pedicellate flowers, such as roses. Pedicels can bend or rotate to reorient the flower for optimal pollination. Flowers without pedicels are called sessile flowers, like sunflowers, where the flower arises directly from the stem.
• Peduncle: The peduncle is the stalk that joins the base of an inflorescence to the main stem. It is the main stalk that supports an entire inflorescence, which can have several pedicels, each with a single flower. The peduncle can sometimes have bracts or leaf modifications at its nodes. In umbel inflorescence, there are a number of short pedicels of equal length, and the peduncle is a much-reduced structure that carries pedicels.

In summary, a pedicel supports a single flower, while a peduncle supports an entire inflorescence. An inflorescence can have several pedicels, but only one peduncle.

Comparative Table: Pedicel vs Peduncle

Pedicel and peduncle are both stalk-like structures that support flowers in angiosperms (flowering plants). However, they have different roles and characteristics. Here is a table summarizing the differences between pedicel and peduncle:

In summary, a pedicel is a stalk that holds a single flower, while a peduncle is the main stalk that support a complete inflorescence, which can consist of multiple flowers. Both pedicels and peduncles are essential for supporting and positioning flowers in angiosperms.