A caudex (pl.: caudices) of a plant is a stem,1 but the term is also used to mean a rootstock2 and particularly a basal stem structure from which new growth arises.3
In the strict sense of the term, meaning a stem, "caudex" is most often used with plants that have a different stem morphology from the typical angiosperm dicotyledon stem;1 examples include palms, ferns, and cycads. The largest of all caudices is that of the ombu (Phytolacca dioica) of the Pampas of South America, which can reach up to 14 metres girth.4
The related term caudiciform, literally meaning stem-like, is sometimes used to mean pachycaul, thick-stemmed.3 Caudices should not be confused with lignotubers which can also be very large.
Etymology
The term derives from the Latin caudex, a noun meaning "tree trunk"; 'codex' is an alternate form of the same word.256
See also
See also
References
- Hickey, M.; King, C. (2001). The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms. Cambridge University Press.
- Stearn, W.T. (1992). Botanical Latin: History, grammar, syntax, terminology and vocabulary, Fourth edition. David and Charles.
- Simpson, M.G. (2010). Plant Systematics: Second Edition. Elsevier Science. ISBN 9780080922089.pages 456 and 695
- "Ombú in the Isla de la Cartuja in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain". Monumental trees. 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
- "caudex - definition of caudex by The Free Dictionary". Thefreedictionary.com. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
- Lewis & Short. "caudex". A Latin Dictionary.
External links
External links
- Bihrmann's Caudiciforms Extensive listing of caudiciforms, images for most species
- Wayne's Word Archived 2009-03-19 at the Wayback Machine Caudiciform Plants With An Enlarged Caudex