Caudex Explained

A caudex (: caudices) of a plant is a stem,^[1] but the term is also used to mean a rootstock^[2] 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 of this include palms, ferns, and cycads.

The related term caudiciform, literally meaning stem-like, is sometimes used to mean pachycaul, thick-stemmed.^[3]

Etymology

The term is from the Latin caudex, a noun meaning "tree trunk".^{[2] [4]}

See also

• Stipe

External links

• Bihrmann's Caudiciforms Extensive listing of caudiciforms, images for most species
• Wayne's Word Caudiciform Plants With An Enlarged Caudex

Notes and References

1. Book: Hickey, M. . King, C. . 2001. The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms. Cambridge University Press.
2. Book: Stearn, W.T.. 1992. Botanical Latin: History, grammar, syntax, terminology and vocabulary, Fourth edition. David and Charles.
3. Book: Simpson, M.G.. 2010. Plant Systematics: Second Edition. Elsevier Science. 9780080922089. pages 456 and 695
4. Web site: caudex - definition of caudex by The Free Dictionary . Thefreedictionary.com . 2014-07-15.