What is the supporting stalk of a flower known as?

The supporting stalk of a flower is known as the pedicel. The pedicel serves as the stem that connects an individual flower to the main stem or branch of the plant, providing structural support and helping transport nutrients and water from the plant to the flower. This term specifically applies to the stem of a single flower when it is borne on a plant and is essential for the proper positioning of the flower for pollination and reproduction.

In contrast, the stamen is the male reproductive part of the flower, consisting of an anther and a filament, and it plays a crucial role in the production of pollen. The sepal is part of the flower's outer structure that protects the developing bud, while the ovule is an integral part of the ovary that develops into seeds after fertilization. Each of these components has distinct functions that are vital for the plant's reproductive success, but they do not serve the supportive role of the pedicel.