A branch of a rhabdosome (graptolite colony, see graptolithina). A stipe or stipes originate(s) from an initial conical cup (sicula). The number of stipes can range from one to as many as 64. Their attitudes also vary. In the primitive condition the stipes hang downwards from the sicula and are said to be ‘pendent’. If they grow out horizontally from the sicula they are ‘horizontal’; if they grow upwards along the nema they are ‘scandent’; if they are straight and grow downwards they are ‘declined’; if they are curved and slope downwards they are ‘deflexed’; if they are straight and grow upwards and outwards they are ‘reclined’; and if they are curved and grow upwards and outwards they are ‘reflexed’.