Caudex
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A caudex (Template:Plural form: 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 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.[2][5][6]
See also
References
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- ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Hickey, M.; King, C. (2001). The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms. Cambridge University Press.
- ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Stearn, W.T. (1992). Botanical Latin: History, grammar, syntax, terminology and vocabulary, Fourth edition. David and Charles.
- ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Simpson, M.G. (2010). Plant Systematics: Second Edition. Elsevier Science. ISBN 9780080922089.pages 456 and 695
- ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Ombú in the Isla de la Cartuja in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain". Monumental trees. 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
- ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."caudex - definition of caudex by The Free Dictionary". Thefreedictionary.com. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
- ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lewis & Short. "caudex". A Latin Dictionary.
External links
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- Bihrmann's Caudiciforms Extensive listing of caudiciforms, images for most species
- Wayne's Word Script error: No such module "webarchive". Caudiciform Plants With An Enlarged Caudex
