Stipe (mycology)

A stipe, in mycology, is like the stem of a mushroom. Just like how your body has bones to hold you up, a mushroom has a stipe to hold it up. The stipe is usually long and skinny, and it connects the cap of the mushroom to the ground or whatever it is growing on. It's kind of like a neck that helps the mushroom stand up tall. Some mushrooms have short stipes, kind of like stubby little legs, while others have really long stipes that can be as tall as a grown-up person! The stipe is a really important part of the mushroom because it's what helps it grow and stay standing up straight.