Stipules or stipular scars - present or not

Stipules are small growths on the twig and are generally found in pairs, one on each side of the twig at the junction of the petiole and the twig. Stipules frequently fall off early in life and following such an event, their occurrence can only be inferred by the presence of scars on the twig. Stipules are best seen on fresh succulent shoots.  Figs (Ficus spp.), and some other trees, have sheathing stipules, i.e. stipules which enclose the apical bud on each twig.  Stipules are readily seen on the commonly cultivated Hibiscus spp.