Caudex
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A caudex (pl.: 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 largest of all caudices is that of the ombu (Phytolacca dioica) of the Pampas of South America, which can be 15 m (49 ft) thick.[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
[edit]The term is from the Latin caudex, a noun meaning "tree trunk".[2][5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Hickey, M.; King, C. (2001). The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms. Cambridge University Press.
- ^ a b Stearn, W.T. (1992). Botanical Latin: History, grammar, syntax, terminology and vocabulary, Fourth edition. David and Charles.
- ^ a b Simpson, M.G. (2010). Plant Systematics: Second Edition. Elsevier Science. ISBN 9780080922089.pages 456 and 695
- ^ William Henry Hudson, "Far Away and Long Ago" (1918) New York: E.P. Dutton page 5
- ^ "caudex - definition of caudex by The Free Dictionary". Thefreedictionary.com. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
External links
[edit]
- 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