Stipels and stipel-like structures

True stipels occur only in compound leaves; they are found at the base of a leaflet or pair of leaflets. Similar-looking structures are sometimes found at the base of a simple leaf, these are not stipels but are instead stipel-like structures.  Both stipels and stipel-like structures occur in a variety of forms. They can be very small; use a hand-lens or microscope to look for them.

  

       Alchornea_laxiflora_a_Mackinder56 - edited             

        Pair of stipel-like structures, Alchornea laxiflora  (Euphorbiaceae, neotropics)

 

                                                             

        Parodiodendron_marginivillosum_spine_on_leaf_base_2   Parodiodendron_marginivillosum_spine_at_leaf_base

        Stipel-like structure, Parodiodendron marginivillosum (Picrodendraceae, neotropics)