Inflorescence - peduncle

[Guido Mathieu]

As can be seen in the PO browser the peduncle is considered as an integral part
of the inflorescence.
According to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Website / Glossary, the peduncle is
defined as: the stalk of an inflorescence, i.e. that 'part of the axis of an
inflorescence' below the insertion of any flowers or inflorescence branches.
Personally I completely agree with all this but I see so many literature (&
Internet) references where the peduncle is considered as:
'the portion of stem' above the leaves and below the lowest branching point of
the inflorescence, i.e. a part of the stem and not of the inflorescence. The
difference is extremely important when measurements are recorded. I would be
very pleased to hear some good arguments to defend the PO point of view.

Thanks!
Guido.

Dr. Guido Mathieu
Peperomia Research Group
Department of Biology
Ghent University
K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35,
B-9000 Gent. Belgium