What is a "stalk"?

A stalk, also known as a stem, refers to the elongated, upright structure that supports and connects various parts of a plant, such as leaves, flowers, and fruits, to the root system. Stalks vary in size, shape, and texture depending on the plant species and its growth habit. They are responsible for providing structural support to the plant, as well as for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars between different parts of the plant. In some plants, such as celery and asparagus, the stalk itself is edible and commonly consumed as a vegetable. Stalks can also serve as a storage organ for energy reserves, such as in the case of rhubarb stalks. Additionally, certain plants produce flower stalks that bear the plant's flowers and eventually develop into fruits or seeds.