The key difference between stipule and axillary bud is that the stipule is one of the two leaf-like appendages present at the base of the leaf. Meanwhile, the axillary bud is the bud or the little protuberance present in between the angle formed by the stem and the leaf petiole.
Roots, stems, and leaves are the main parts of a plant. In addition to these major parts, plants have different structures that help plants in different ways. Axillary bud and stipule are two such plant structures. Axillary bud is the little protuberance present in the angle between the stem and the leaf petiole. Axillary buds may develop into branches or flowers. Stipules are the leaf-like paired appendages found at the base of the leaf.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Stipule
3. What is an Axillary Bud
4. Similarities Between Stipule and Axillary Bud
5. Side by Side Comparison – Stipule vs Axillary Bud in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is a Stipule?
Stipules are a pair of leaf-like appendages present at the base of the leaf petiole. Therefore, they are flat leafy structures found below the leaf. In some plants, stipules fuse into a sheath surrounding the stem. However, the position of stipules can vary depending on the plant species. Some plants, such as mango and monocots do not have stipules in their leaves. In other words, stipules may be inconspicuous or absent in some plants.
Figure 01: Stipule
Leaves that have stipules are called stipulated leaves. Most importantly, stipules can modify into tendrils, spines, hairs, glands, and scales, etc. Besides, stipules can be classified as caducous, deciduous, and persistent, based on their lifespan or duration. Caducous stipules are stipules that fall off before the leaf unfolds, whereas deciduous stipules are stipules that fall off immediately after the leaf unfolds. Persistent stipules, on the other hand, remain attached to the plant.
What is an Axillary Bud?
Axillary bud is a small bud or a little protuberance present in the angle (axil) formed between the stem and the petiole. Axillary buds consist of very young shoot tissues that may develop into branches or flowers. When there is an axillary bud, it indicates the position where a leaf begins.
Figure 02: Axillary Buds
Generally, axillary buds are covered and protected by bud scales, which are small brownish and overlapping structures. Usually, the shoot apex controls and influences the growth of the axillary bud. Hence, apical dominance permits the development of the axillary buds.
What are the Similarities Between Stipule and Axillary Bud?
- Stipule and axillary buds are two plant structures.
- Both types of structures help plants in many ways.
What is the Difference Between Stipule and Axillary Bud?
Stipule is one of the two leak-like appendages found at the base of the petiole. But, the axillary bud is the small bud present at the axil (the angle between the leaf and the stem). So, this is the key difference between stipule and axillary bud. Moreover, stipule can develop into a tendril, scale, spine, hair, etc., while axillary bud develops into a shoot branch or a flower branch.
The below infographic provides more comparisons regarding the difference between stipule and axillary bud.
Summary – Stipule vs. Axillary Bud
A stipule is a leaf-like appendage found in the base of the leaf petiole. Often, there is a pair of stipules at the leaf base. Stipules may develop into tendrils, hairs, spines and scales, etc. On the other hand, an axillary bud is a small bud present in the axil. Axillary buds develop into branches or flowers. They contain young shoot tissues, and the shoot apex controls the growth of axillary bud. So, this summarizes the difference between stipule and axillary bud.
Reference:
1. “PLB 102: Lab 1.” PLB 102 | Lab 1, Available here.
2. “Stipule.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Sept. 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Rosa canina blatt 2005.05.26 11.50.13” By Michael Becker – taken by Michael Becker (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Plant morphology buds axillary” By Mariana Ruiz Villarreal LadyofHats – (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia