What is the fancy name for a grass stem?

The term "culm" refers specifically to the stem of a grass plant. In botanical terminology, it designates the upright, aerial stem that supports the leaves and inflorescences of grasses. Understanding this term is key in agronomy and botany because the structure and function of the culm can significantly influence the growth and productivity of grass species.

The other terms presented are related to grass anatomy but refer to different structures. A rhizome is a type of underground stem that can produce new shoots and roots, facilitating vegetative reproduction. An auricle is a small appendage at the base of the leaf blade in some grasses, which is often involved in leaf attachment and stability. An internode is the section of the stem between two nodes, which is essential for plant growth but does not specifically denote the entire stem structure. Thus, "culm" is the precise term that identifies the grass stem.