Translation guide
A peduncle is a stalk-like structure that supports an organ or organism. In biology, it most commonly refers to the stalk attaching a flower, fruit, or inflorescence to a plant, but it also appears in anatomy (e.g., cerebral peduncle) and zoology (e.g., the stalk of a barnacle). This guide covers the main biological uses.
The stalk that attaches a single flower, fruit, or flower cluster to the main stem or branch.
The most common and precise term for the stalk of an individual flower or fruit. Used in everyday and scientific contexts.
The peduncle of this flower is very long.
果実が熟すと花柄から落ちる。
When the fruit ripens, it falls from the peduncle.
Synonym for 花柄, slightly more technical or literary. Often used in botanical descriptions.
花梗が短い品種を選んだ。
We selected a variety with short peduncles.
General word for 'stem' or 'stalk'. Can be used loosely for peduncle in casual speech, but is imprecise. Use only when the distinction from the main stem is not important.
茎 is a broad term for any plant stem. Using it for peduncle may cause confusion in precise contexts.
花の茎が折れてしまった。
The flower's stalk broke.
The main stalk supporting an entire cluster of flowers (inflorescence), such as in a sunflower head or a bunch of grapes.
The precise botanical term for the stalk of an inflorescence. Used in scientific and horticultural contexts.
花序柄が太くて丈夫だ。
The peduncle of the inflorescence is thick and sturdy.
Literally 'flower stem', often used for the leafless stalk bearing a flower or inflorescence, especially in plants like tulips or dandelions. Common in gardening.
タンポポの花茎を摘んだ。
I picked a dandelion peduncle.
A bundle of nerve fibers connecting the cerebrum to the brainstem.
The standard anatomical term for cerebral peduncle. Used in medical and neuroscience contexts.
大脳脚は中脳の一部です。
The cerebral peduncle is part of the midbrain.
The fleshy stalk by which a barnacle or similar organism attaches to a surface.
General term for a stalk-like structure in animals, including the peduncle of a barnacle. Used in zoology.
フジツボの柄部は筋肉質だ。
The peduncle of a barnacle is muscular.
Specifically refers to the fleshy stalk of certain barnacles (goose barnacles). More specific than 柄部.
エボシガイの肉茎は食用になる。
The peduncle of the goose barnacle is edible.
花柄 (かへい) and 花梗 (かこう) both mean the stalk of a single flower. 花柄 is more common; 花梗 is more technical. 花茎 (かけい) refers to a leafless stem bearing a flower or inflorescence, often arising directly from the ground (like a tulip). In many contexts, 花柄 is the safest choice for 'peduncle' of a single flower.
While 茎 (くき) can mean 'stalk', it is too general and usually refers to the main stem of a plant. Using it for 'peduncle' may lead to misunderstanding in botanical or precise contexts. Stick to 花柄 or 花序柄 when accuracy matters.